The common flu may be highly contagious, but it doesn't have to hit us hard. Learn more about the steps you can take to lower your chances of catching the bug and stay healthy during the flu season.
The common flu
The flu is a viral infection caused by the influenza virus, which infects the respiratory tract (nose, throat and lungs). The virus is transmitted from person to person in secretions of the nose and lungs, for example when coughing or sneezing.
What are the flu symptoms?
Common symptoms include fever (usually high), headache, tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and body aches. In children, the flu can also have gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.
How can I prevent getting the flu?
You can minimize your chances of being exposed to respiratory droplets by taking these precautions:
Wash your hands frequently or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers (with a minimum concentration of 60 to 95 percent ethanol or isopropanol) to prevent the spread of germs.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, as these are direct entry points for viruses, which can get on your hands when you touched infected objects.
