influenza, flu

An acute and contagious airborne respiratory infection caused by any of the influenza viruses (A, B, C and subsequent types). The influenza virus has a great deal of variation and has been known to cause outbreaks and even epidemics even to those populations previously exposed to similar subtypes.

Incubation of the virus is one to three days, after which active symptoms lasting about five to seven days include:

  • malaise
  • chills
  • fever above 101
  • paroxysmal cough and sore throat
  • muscle pain

Less frequent symptoms, mostly in children, include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Use influenza on first reference and include the variant of virus if necessary for the story or context. Using the short version, flu, on subsequent references is fine.

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