Influenza—or the flu—is a common viral respiratory infection that can be extremely dangerous for some people. Learn more about how to prevent and treat the flu as well as some potential complications related to the illness.

Flu Basics

Overview illustration of the Flu
Flu Overview

Prevention

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What Is in the Flu Shot? Here's How Experts Explain Common Ingredients

Treatment and Management

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How To Get Rid of the Flu Quickly

Explore Flu

A man blows his nose
Why Nasal Congestion Happens—And How to Treat It
man in wheelchair getting flu shot
This Year's Flu Shot Is a 'Good Match,' CDC Says—But Cases and Hospitalizations Continue to Rise
senior man receiving flu shot
CDC Recommends Stronger Flu Shots for People 65 and Older This Season—Here's Why
Man at home with the flu
When Does Flu Season Start and End?
Covid vs Spanish Flu: What's the Difference
How Are the Spanish Flu and COVID-19 Alike? Here's What Doctors Say
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How Many People Die From the Flu Each Year?
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What Temperature Is Considered a Fever in Adults?
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Flu and COVID-19: How Do the Illnesses Compare?
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Why Does Your Arm Hurt After a Flu Shot?
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What Is the Period Flu?
What Is a Wet Cough , Young woman coughing while feeling ill in bed
What Is a Wet Cough?
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Flu Shots: Are They 'Live Virus' Vaccines or Not?
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How Effective Is the Flu Shot? What Doctors Are Saying About This Year's Vaccines
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When to Get a Flu Shot This Year, According to Doctors
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COVID-19 Is the Worst Pandemic in US History
CDC Warns of Severe Flu season
CDC Director Warns Flu Season Could Be 'Severe' This Year—Here's Why, and How to Protect Yourself
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8 Illnesses That Cause Flu-Like Symptoms That Aren’t the Flu
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What You Need to Know About Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccines SIRVA
CDC Investigating H3N2 Flu Cases on Michigan Campus—What to Know about Influenza A , sick woman sneezing and covering nose with paper napkin, close-up
University of Michigan Flu Outbreak Identified as Influenza A Virus—Here's What to Know
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How Long Is the Flu Vaccine Effective?
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What Is the Flu Incubation Period?
flu shot too early
When Should You Get the Flu Shot?
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Why Do Some People Die From the Flu?
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How the Flu Can Affect Your Health Even After You Feel Better
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Is the Flu Airborne? Here's What Infectious Disease Experts Say
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Can You Have a Cold and the Flu at the Same Time?
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How Long Cold and Flu Germs Live on Surfaces
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Netflix's 'Pandemic' Highlights The Need for a Possible Universal Flu Vaccine
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Influenza B is Dominating This Year's Flu Season—Here's What You Need to Know
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How Quickly Can You Really Catch an Illness on an Airplane—and How Much Should You Worry?
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This Year's Flu Shot May Not Be as Effective Against One Common Strain—Here's What That Means
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A 4-Year-Old Girl Reportedly Went Blind From the Flu—Here's How That Can Happen
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A 15-Year-Old Cheerleader Died From Septic Shock After Having the Flu—Here's How That Can Happen
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Yes, You Still Need a Flu Shot, Even During the COVID-19 Pandemic, According to Experts
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5 Mistakes to Avoid While Washing Your Hands This Cold and Flu Season
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Parents Reportedly Don't Take the Flu Seriously Enough—and it Could Be Hurting Their Children
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Your Fitbit May Help Predict Flu Outbreaks, According to New Study
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Your Flu Risk is Influenced By Where You Live, According to a New Study
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Lizzo Just Shared Video of Her Rapid Flu Test on Instagram—But What Is That?
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Why Missing My Flu Shot Could Put My Best Friend's Life in Danger
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Should I Get a Second Flu Shot This Year?
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5 Places You Can Get a Flu Shot Without Insurance
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Can You Get a Flu Shot When You Have a Cold?
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You Can Get the Flu Twice in One Season
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This Mom's Viral Post Reveals One Flu Symptom You Need to Stop Overlooking
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At-Home Flu Tests Are Surprisingly Accurate—So Why Don't We Have One Yet?
Jessica Simpson and husband
Jessica Simpson Shares a Sweet Photo of Her Kids Sick With the Flu
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The U.S. Is Seeing the Longest Flu Season in a Decade—Here's What You Need to Know
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People Are Already Dying From the Flu. Here's What You Need to Know About Flu Season 2017