Flu Articles A-Z
This segment of the eMedTV archives describes flu outbreaks throughout history. These flu outbreaks, such as the ones in 1918 and 1976, have the potential to spread quickly from person to person, especially when the strain of the virus is new.
This eMedTV page discusses flu prevention methods in detail, such as the vaccine. The flu vaccine is the best flu prevention method, but medication can help prevent the flu if you take it for at least 2 weeks during a flu outbreak in your community.
The flu shot contains inactive viruses that are currently in circulation and viruses that are expected to circulate the following winter. This eMedTV article explains who should get a flu shot, where it can be obtained, and potential side effects.
Flu shots, as this segment of the eMedTV archives explains, are based on both current and expected flu viruses. They do not cause the flu. Flu shots can be obtained at supermarkets, drugstores, and doctors' offices, among other places.
Flu symptoms (sore throat, fever, chills) tend to be more severe and last longer than cold symptoms. This eMedTV segment explains flu symptoms in detail, including potential complications in adults, teenagers, and children.