See 9 interesting facts about the flu including the origin, prevalence, contagiousness, vaccines, peak months, duration, complications, home remedies, and more. Read more: What Are Interesting Facts About the Flu? Article
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
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Cold, Flu, and Cough: 13 Foods to Eat When Fighting the Flu
The best foods to eat when you have the flu soothe symptoms and help you feel better faster. Good foods to eat with the flu...
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How to Get Rid of a Cold: Natural Remedies
What home remedies work to get rid of a cold fast? Many claim cold symptoms and flu symptoms can be relieved with Echinacea,...
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Cold and Flu: Finding Fast Cough Relief
Remedies for coughing to relieve symptoms, thin mucus, and clear phlegm include cough syrup and honey in hot water. Use...
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Cold & Flu Quiz: Influenza vs. Common Cold
Aches? Pain? Fever? This Cold & Flu Quiz tests your knowledge on the difference between coming down with the common cold and...
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Cold, Flu, & Cough: How to Clean After Illness
This slideshow gives you a room-by-room look at how and what to disinfect after someone in your family has been sick.
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A Cold or The Flu? How to Tell the Difference
Discover the difference between cold vs. flu symptoms. Learn the difference between cold and flu symptoms. Read about cold and...
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Flu Shots: 10 Facts About Flu Shots
What are the side effects of a flu shot? Who should get vaccinated? Learn the benefits and risks of vaccination for seasonal...
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Cold and Flu: What Doctors Do to Boost Their Immune Systems
How can you make your immune system stronger? Why not try what the pros try?
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Cold, Flu, and Cough: Things That Suppress Your Immune System
A strong immune system is your best protection against infections and illnesses. Find out what can weaken that defense.
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Cold and Flu: The Truth About Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizers are a convenient way to kill germs. But do they really work? Here's what we found.
SLIDESHOW
How to Get Rid of a Cold: Natural Remedies See SlideshowRelated Disease Conditions
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![Swine Flu (Swine Influenza A [H1N1 and H3N2])](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/forum/featured-swine-flu.jpg)
Swine Flu (Swine Influenza A [H1N1 and H3N2])
Novel H1N1 influenza A virus infection (swine flu) is an infection that generally is transferred from an infected pig to a human, however there have been reported cases where infection has occured with no contact with infected pigs. Symptoms of swine flu are "flu-like" and include fever, cough, and sore throat. Treatment is generally with the antibiotics oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza).
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Flu (Influenza)
Influenza (flu) is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches. The flu may be prevented with an annual influenza vaccination.
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Which Flu Is Worse A or B?
Flu or influenza is a contagious (spreads from person to person) viral illness that affects the respiratory tract (the nose, throat and lungs). Type A influenza is generally considered worse than type B influenza.
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Cold, Flu, Allergy Treatments
Before treating a cold, the flu, or allergies with over-the-counter (OTC) medications, it's important to know what's causing the symptoms, which symptoms one wishes to relieve, and the active ingredients in the OTC product. Taking products that only contain the medications needed for relieving your symptoms prevents ingestion of unnecessary medications and reduces the chances of side effects.
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Cold vs. Flu
Though the common cold and flu share many signs and symptoms, they are caused by different viruses. Signs and symptoms include sneezing, sore throat, runny nose, fatigue, and cough. Treatment options for the cold and flu are similar and focus on reducing symptoms. Doctors may prescribe antivirals/neuraminidase inhibitors for the flu.
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COVID-19 vs. Flu vs. Cold
When you're feeling sick, it can be difficult to distinguish the symptoms of a COVID-19 infection from the symptoms of the common cold or the flu (influenza). While fever is common with the flu and COVID-19, sneezing is typically only associated with colds. Though sore throats are typical with colds, they are uncommon with COVID-19 infections and the flu.
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What Are The Side Effects of the H1N1 Flu Vaccine?
H1N1, also known as the swine flu, most recently caused an outbreak in 2009. The vaccine for it used to be a separate shot, but is now included in your yearly flu shot. The side effects are similar to the flu shot, and are usually minor.
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How Long Does the Flu Last in Seniors?
What is the flu? Learn the signs of the flu in seniors and when you need to call a doctor.
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What Is the Best Medicine for the Flu?
The best flu medicine would be to rest and get plenty of fluids. Most symptoms of flu such as a fever, a runny nose, and blocked sinuses can be managed by acetaminophen and antihistaminic medications.
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Treating the Flu in People with Health Risks
Certain portions of the population are at an increased risk of suffering serious complications from the flu. Some of these indviduals at risk include: those with asthma, COPD, heart disease, liver or kidney disease, HIV, AIDs, elderly, women who are pregnant, and children under the age of two. Contact your physician if you have the flu immediately so that you receive the proper care to prevent serious complications.
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