The flu, more scientifically known as influenza, is very different from another ailment such as a cold or just feeling under the weather. It knocks you flat! While most people can recover from a cold in two to three days, it can take up to two weeks for people to recover from flu.
It is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses.
Cold versus flu symptoms. Although some symptoms may appear to indicate to the flu, the severity of the symptoms is what tends to establish if it is a common cold or the flu. Common symptoms of the flu include, Fever (usually high), Headache, Muscle aches and Chills.
There are a number of ways you can prevent and treat the flu, the most common of which is the flu vaccine.
Visit out Influenza Quick Guide to learn more about the infection, the impact it can have and what you can do to prevent getting it.
Last Updated 09-09-2009