Flu (influenza)

Key facts Influenza (the flu) is a viral infection that causes symptoms like fever and chills, sneezing, coughing and a sore throat. The flu can be serious for some people, but if you are otherwise fit and healthy you usually don’t need to see a doctor. There is a vaccine available for the flu, and it’s recommended that everyone over the age of 6 months has a flu vaccination every year. You can treat the symptoms of mild flu by resting and drinking plenty of water. Medicines are available to treat fever and aches. What is the flu? Influenza (the