Symptoms

Symptoms of the flu:

• Body aches
• Chills
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Fever (not always present)
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Swollen glands
• Aches and pains around the eyes
• Flushed skin
• Red eyes
• Vomiting (may be present with H1N1 flu)
• Diarrhea (may be present with H1N1 flu)

If you experience any of these symptoms it is important to see a physician right away.

Remember: Stay home if you are feeling ill to prevent spreading the flu to others.

Complications

The flu can cause risk for serious complications such as:

• Pneumonia
• Bacterial infections
• Dehydration
• Chronic diseases can become worse (asthma, heart problems, diabetes etc.)

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the majority of people that are hospitalized for complications from the flu are those aged 65 years of age and older. Of the 5-20 percent of the population that catches the flu each flu season, roughly 200,000 people become hospitalized for flu complications.

For more information on flu complications visit:

Flu Related Complications (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

U.S. Hospitalizations (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Remember: It is important to see a doctor right away if you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms to reduce the risk of complications.