Influenza (in-floo-en-zah), also called the flu, is a serious, highly contagious viral infection of the nose, throat and lungs. Influenza causes high fevers, dry cough, chills, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, and generally you feel very tired. Although colds and other viruses may cause similar symptoms, influenza weakens a person much more than other viruses.

You can be sick in bed for 2 to 7 days, and the cough can last for weeks. Influenza lowers the body's ability to fight other infections that may develop with influenza putting you at risk for developing pneumonia and other complications. Influenza can lead to pneumonia, a stay in the hospital, and even death.

Influenza is very contagious and spreads easily from person to person. It is particularly important that individuals at risk for serious complications get their flu shot every year. Infected children, adults, and healthcare workers can easily spread influenza to those at risk; anyone over six months of age who wants to avoid spreading influenza should consider getting a flu shot.

The flu shot is a safe and effective way to give your body an extra fighting chance against influenza.