Influenza is contagious, can cause mild to severe illness—sometimes even death—and can be prevented in multiple ways, including getting a yearly flu vaccination. The “flu shot” is offered every fall at multiple locations within the community and is one of the ways in which human to human transmission of the flu can be minimized.

Both a seasonal cold and the flu have similar symptoms, making it hard to tell the difference between the two, but they are caused by different viruses and require different treatments. In the first few days that you experience symptoms, a doctor can determine if you are suffering from a cold or the flu. The flu is typically worse than the common cold, with more intense symptoms and a higher risk of complications, which is why proper prevention, diagnosis and treatment are vital. 

Some groups of people (people over age 65, children younger than 2 years old, those with severe chronic medical conditions) are more likely to experience complications from influenza. These complications can include the development of bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, worsening of chronic medical conditions, ear or sinus infections, and in some cases death.