INFLUENZA

Is caused by viruses that infect the respiratory tract. Compared with most other viral respiratory infections, such as the common cold, influenza infection often causes a more severe illness. Typical symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, as well as headache, muscle aches and often extreme fatigue. There are 3 types of influenza viruses: Type A, originally found in swine, usually is responsible for the large influenza epidemics. Types B and C are not as widespread. Some patients develop serious and potentially life threatening complications such as pneumonia. In an average year, influenza is associated with 20,000 deaths nationwide and many more hospital- izations. The primary way to prevent influenza is by use of influenza vaccine each fall.