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The flu is a contagious illness caused by a virus that infects the nose, throat and lungs. Flu can cause mild to severe illness, and sometimes leads to death. The best way to prevent flu is by getting a vaccine each year.
Good health habits are also an important way to help prevent the flu. Some of these good habits include:
Symptoms | Cold | Flu |
---|---|---|
Fever | Sometimes, usually mild | Usual, higher (100 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit, occasionally higher, especially in young children), lasts 3 to 4 days |
Headache | Occasionally | Common |
General Aches, Pains | Slight | Usual, often severe |
Fatigue, Weakness | Sometimes | Usual, can last 2 to 3 weeks |
Extreme Exhaustion | Never | Usual, at the beginning of the illness |
Stuffy Nose | Common | Sometimes |
Sneezing | Usual | Sometimes |
Sore Throat | Common | Sometimes |
Chest Discomfort, Cough | Mild to moderate, hacking cough | Common, can become severe |
Klamath County Public Health may be reached after hours, on an emergency basis, at 541-891-2015.