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Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. There are 4 types of influenza viruses: A, B, C and D. Human influenza A and B viruses cause seasonal epidemics of disease almost every winter.
Flu symptoms can include any or all of the following:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Body aches
- Runny nose and congestion
- Tiredness
Why do people usually get the Flu in winter?
Researchers have pinpointed the key reason why people are more likely to get sick from flu during winter months:
- The virus lives longer indoors in winter, because the air is less humid than outside
- We spend more time indoors which makes it easier for the virus to spread
Want to avoid getting the flu?
- Wash your hands often to remove germs and keep them clean
- Increase water vapor in the air with humidifiers at home, school, work, and even hospital environments
- Get a flu shot