US Records Over 25 Million Flu Illnesses This Season

This season in the United States, around 25 million illnesses, 270,000 hospitalizations, and 17,000 deaths from flu were reported. Six influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported this week, for a total of 85 pediatric flu deaths reported so far this season, Xinhua news agency reported.

What Causes Influenza

Influenza, commonly called the flu, is an acute, contagious, respiratory tract infection, which is caused by one of the influenza viruses. The severity of influenza symptoms depends on the type of influenza virus, and the age and health of the patient. The common cold and influenza share many symptoms. However, colds are more likely to cause sneezing and a stuffy nose, while influenza is characterized by fever, coughs and muscle aches.

Flu symptoms also develop rather suddenly, and are more severe. A person with influenza may experience chills, moderate to high fever, sore throat, runny nose, muscle and headaches, fatigue, cough, diarrhea and dizziness.

The CDC urged the public to get flu shot annually to prevent infection and serious outcomes

Source-IANS