Flu Basics

Is It Influenza?

Learn how flu symptoms compare to symptoms of other common illnesses.

Review what symptoms flu can cause
Sick woman lying on couch, eyes closed

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Flu Science

How Flu Spreads

While getting vaccinated is the most effective way of avoiding the flu, understanding how the flu spreads is a big step towards prevention.

Sep 6, 2022
Read an interactive overview
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Influenza

Why Does Flu Affect Some People More Than Others?

Certain people may have higher risk factors for influenza complications.

Sep 5, 2022
Learn what can create a higher risk for flu
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Flu Burden

How Flu Creates a Burden on Society

Read about the impact of seasonal flu—and of vaccinations.

Sep 7, 2022
Learn More

Flu Watch

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Flu

Learn the Facts About Avian Flu (H5N1)

H5N1, the avian flu strain affecting birds and mammals, has been found in humans.

 

Seasonal and Pandemic Flu

Scientist conducting medical research in a laboratory

Flu

The History of Influenza

How influenza led to pandemics, health crises, scientific discoveries, vaccine innovations and disease prevention.

Explore a historical timeline of major influenza events
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Flu Science

Antigenic Drift: Why Flu Viruses Change Every Year

Did you know? Influenza viruses are constantly mutating or changing. One way in which they change is referred to as antigenic drift.

Learn how flu viruses change each season
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Flu

Can You Get the Flu in the Summer?

You can still catch the flu in the summer months, thanks to a variety of factors.
Learn about the risks of flu outside of the traditional flu season

Recent Seasonal Flu Updates

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Flu Season

The 2023-2024 Flu Season in Review: Have Flu Cases Peaked in the U.S.?

Flu cases in the U.S. are declining, but can we say the 2023-2024 flu season is wrapping up?

Read an update about flu activity this season
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Flu Season

2023-2024 Flu Season Predictions: What Can We Expect?

Annual flu season patterns and trends have been in continual flux since 2020.

See what may be in store for the 2023-2024 flu season