The flu is a highly contagious respiratory infection that affects millions of people every year. Approximately 10 percent to 20 percent of Americans get the flu during each flu season (which usually runs from late fall through winter). Like the common cold, the flu is a viral infection. However, symptoms of the flu tend to be more extreme and longer-lasting than symptoms of the common cold. Although the flu is usually a mild disease in healthy children, young adults, and middle-aged people, it can be life-threatening in other people (such as older adults). But did you know that throughout history there have been a number of deadly flu pandemics?

 

Welcome to the Flu Health Channel by eMedTV. Here you will find a collection of articles dedicated to the flu. We hope that you will find this channel to be a valuable resource on flu symptoms, treatment, and prevention -- as well as complications that can potentially occur as a result of the flu. Maybe you are wondering where, and how often, to get a flu shot -- or perhaps you have the flu and are concerned about spreading it to your family or coworkers. You will find the information you need here.

 

You can begin your eMedTV flu experience by clicking on any of the featured flu links on this page. You can also begin by clicking on the health topics listed to the left or by using the search box at the top of the page. We also have a Health Channel dedicated to information on bird flu. To visit this site, click Bird Flu.