Influenza is a viral illness, which is highly contagious. It can occur in children and adults. It mostly occurs in winter when people tend to spend more time indoors being in close contact with each other.

The virus is transmitted from one infected person to another through coughing and sneezing. It has been seen that young children pregnant women, older adults, and adults suffering from other health problems like asthma or malnutrition are more susceptible to influenza, and they can become seriously ill.Influenza pandemics have caused millions of deaths across the world. These pandemics have occurred due to mutated forms of the influenza viruses to which humans do not have any immunity.

Influenza symptoms vary from one person to the next, but the most common symptoms are fever, headache, muscle pain and fatigue. Some people can also suffer from sore throat and cough. Usually the fever lasts for around two to five days. Initially people mistake influenza for a respiratory infection. However, respiratory infections caused by viruses usually last for around one to two days.

Some people can also experience chills when they come down with influenza. Others may suffer from fever as well as muscle pain. Usually influenza symptoms get better after two to five days, but the illness itself may take a week or more to get better. People suffering from influenza will feel tired and weak for several weeks even after the illness has gone.

Sometimes, influenza can cause complications like pneumonia. However, it has been seen that people who are above the age of 65, those who suffer from diabetes, or those who have heart or lung conditions are more prone to pneumonia brought on by influenza. Also, very young children and pregnant women are susceptible to pneumonia.

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