What is Influenza?

What is Influenza?

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By Osman Shabir, M.Sc.Reviewed by Dr. Mary Cooke, Ph.D.

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• Prevalence & Incidence
• Symptoms
• Causes
• Treatment, Prevention & Control
• COVID-19

Influenza (or the flu) is an infectious respiratory condition caused by influenza viruses. Influenza is different from the common cold. Unlike the common cold, influenza (flu) can lead to serious health complications such as pneumonia, otitis media, and death.

Although influenza can affect anyone at any age at any time of the year, it circulates at higher levels and can cause outbreaks during the winter in the northern hemisphere.

Young children, older people, and people with pre-existing health conditions are most at risk of complications from flu infection.