About the Flu
Help protect yourself and your family from the flu by knowing more about the flu:
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The flu is a contagious virus that is spread from one person to another through tiny
droplets that are released into the air when a person infected with the flu coughs or sneezes.
Sometimes, people can become infected by touching their nose or mouth after touching something
infected by the flu virus.
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Most healthy adults can infect others one day before they begin experiencing symptoms and up to
five days after they become sick. That means you can pass on the flu to someone else before you
know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
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A typical case of the flu can last up to one week.
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The flu can be a serious illness, particularly for mature populations aged 50 and older, and
those with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and asthma.
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Flu season can begin as early as October and last as late as May.
Track the flu in your area.
See these other sections to help stay informed about the flu:
Flu Symptoms
Learn common symptoms associated with the flu
Cold vs. Flu Symptoms
Learn how to tell the difference between the common cold and the flu
Flu Tracker
Know when the flu is in your area
Flu E–mail Updates
Sign up to receive information about the flu and TAMIFLU
TAMIFLU for Flu Prevention and Treatment
TAMIFLU is a prescription medication for flu treatment and prevention of the flu in adults and children aged 1 year and older. Learn more about TAMIFLU for Flu Treatment and Prevention.
TAMIFLU is prescribed for treating adults and children 1 year and older with influenza (flu) whose symptoms started within the last day or two. TAMIFLU can also reduce the chance of getting the flu in patients 1 year and older. TAMIFLU is not a substitute for the annual flu vaccinations (you should still get the flu shot every year).
Before taking TAMIFLU, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing, or if you have kidney disease, heart disease, respiratory disease, or other serious health conditions. Also, let your doctor know if you are taking any other medications or if you have received nasally administered influenza virus vaccine during the past two weeks.
If you develop an allergic reaction or a severe rash, stop taking TAMIFLU and contact your healthcare professional immediately, as it may be very serious. People with the flu, particularly children and adolescents, may be at an increased risk of self injury and confusion shortly after taking TAMIFLU and should be closely monitored for signs of unusual behavior. A healthcare professional should be contacted immediately if the patient taking TAMIFLU shows any signs of unusual behavior.
The most common side effects are mild to moderate nausea and vomiting.
Talk to Your Doctor
Next steps for getting prescription TAMIFLU
Get Tamiflu