Flu is a contagious illness and the best way to prevent this illness is by getting a flu vaccination each fall. Flu viruses can spread through coughs and sneezes, usually from person to person. Sometimes people become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Most healthy adults can infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 days after becoming sick. You can pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
Symptoms of flu include:
- fever (usually high)
- headache
- extreme tiredness
- dry cough
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
- muscle aches
- Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur but are more common in children than adults
For more information, please visit our Health Topics Spotlight section.
