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Flu can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. In normal years in the U.S. on average 5% to 20% of the population catches the flu; more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and; about 36,000 people die from flu-related causes. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications.
Flu can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. In normal years in the U.S. on average 5% to 20% of the population catches the flu; more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and; about 36,000 people die from flu-related causes. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications.
===Telling the difference between flu and a common cold===
====Fever====
Fever is rare with a cold. <br>
Fever is usually present with the flu in up to 80% of all flu cases . A temperature of 100°F or higher for 3 to 4 days is associated with the flu.
====Cough====
A hacking, productive (mucus- producing) cough is often present with a cold. <br>
A non-productive (non-mucus producing) cough is usually present with the flu (sometimes referred to as dry cough).
====Stuffy Nose====
Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold.<br>
Stuffy nose is rare with the flu .
====Chills ====
Chills are uncommon with a cold.<br>
60% of those with the flu experience chills.
====Tiredness ====
Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold.<br>
Tiredness is moderate to severe with the flu.
====Sneezing ====
Sneezing is commonly present with a cold.<br>
Sneezing is not common with the flu.
====Sudden Symptoms ====
Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days.<br>
The flu has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours. It hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains.
====Headache ====
A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold.<br>
A headache is present in 80% of flu cases.
====Sore Throat====
Sore throat is commonly present with a cold.<br>
Sore throat is not commonly present with the flu.
==When Flu Occurs==
==When Flu Occurs==