Understanding Influenza

What is influenza?

Influenza is commonly called the flu or in some areas grippe. It is a contagious infection of the respiratory tract that comes on quickly and usually lasts for 3 to 10 days. Influenza affects 10 to 20% of the US population every year, resulting in 36, 000 deaths and 200,000 hospitalizations; 1 it may occur in one or two individuals only or it may affect people in greater numbers. An influenza epidemic refers to influenza that has spread throughout the community. An influenza pandemic refers to influenza that has become more widespread, such as across a continent or around the world.