Influenza

Influenza, more commonly known as flu, is a short-lived, feverish illness of the lungs and upper airways, caused by any one of several types of virus, usually categorised as A, B and C. This virus can be easily spread in small droplets of moisture coughed or sneezed into the atmosphere, or by direct contact with hands contaminated with the virus.

In the UK, influenza usually occurs during the months of October to April. Sufferers develop a high temperature, aches and pains in many of their muscles, loss of appetite, headache, sore throat and occasionally a chest infection. Although people who are generally healthy do not need to consult their GP when they get flu, some people, such as the elderly, can develop serious complications that may be life threatening. Almost 5,000 people die in the in the UK every year from the condition; this number may increase up to 12,000 a year during flu epidemics.

In this section, you'll find a guide to the causes and symptoms of influenza, along with some information on how it may be diagnosed and treated.