The flu, short for influenza, is a sickness that spreads easily and affects the breathing system. It's caused by viruses and can make people feel suddenly sick. Anyone can get the flu, and symptoms can be mild or severe. Signs include having a fever, feeling cold, coughing, having a sore throat, or a runny or stuffy nose. You might also feel achy, tired, or have headaches. Sometimes, especially in kids, you can also have stomach problems like throwing up or diarrhea. The flu spreads when someone who has it coughs, sneezes, or talks, or by touching things with the virus on them. It's most common in fall and winter. While most people get better without problems, some, like kids, older adults, pregnant women, or those with health issues, can get very sick. To stop it from spreading, it's important to get a flu shot each year, wash your hands well, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, stay home if you're sick, and avoid people who are sick. If you get the flu, rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take medicine to help you feel better. If it's really bad, a doctor might give you special medicine. It's important to take the flu seriously and do what you can to stop it from spreading.
- What is the flu short for?
- What causes the flu?
- Who can get the flu?
- Name some symptoms of the flu.
- How does the flu spread?
- When is the flu most common?
- Who are some people who can get very sick from the flu?
- How can you prevent the flu from spreading?
- What should you do if you get the flu?
- Why is it important to take the flu seriously?
answers
- Influenza.
- Viruses.
- Anyone can get the flu.
- Fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, aches, tiredness, headaches, stomach problems (in kids).
- By coughing, sneezing, talking, or touching things with the virus on them.
- In fall and winter.
- Kids, older adults, pregnant women, and people with health issues.
- Get a flu shot, wash hands, cover mouth when coughing or sneezing, stay home when sick, avoid sick people.
- Rest, drink fluids, take medicine, and see a doctor if needed.
- To prevent severe illness and stop it from spreading.