Influenza, commonly called the flu, is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system. Symptoms typically involve the throat, bronchial tubes, lungs and nose. Anyone can become infected with influenza.
Most at Risk
The people who are at highest risk for being infected with the flu are young children, older adults and people with immune systems that have been weakened.
Number of Deaths
The Mayo Clinic cites CDC numbers that indicate there are 36,000 deaths annually in the United States due to complications from the flu.
Hospitalizations
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are over 200,000 people in the United States who are hospitalized annually due to complications from the flu.
Strains
There are three strains of influenza, which are identified by the letters A, B and C. New strains of types B and C appear regularly. The swine flu, known as the H1N1 flu, is a strain A influenza. Strain A influenza typically appears every 10 to 40 years.
Transmission
Influenza is typically transmitted through coughs and sneezes from an infected person or when an infected person speaks. The virus appears in the tiny droplets that can travel through air and be picked up by other people.
Prevention
Steps that can help prevent the flu include flu shots, washing hands regularly, avoiding crowds, getting enough sleep and exercising regularly.
