Influenza, sometimes known as the flu, is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system, including the nose, throat, and lungs. The flu is extremely contagious because it spreads quickly through droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.

• They are both viral respiratory infections, but the viruses that cause them to differ. Therefore, their symptoms and severity vary.
• The influenza virus causes the flu, but numerous distinct types of viruses, including rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, and adenoviruses, cause the common cold.

• Fever
• Chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or congested nose
• Body or muscle aches
• Headaches

• Each type of influenza virus, including influenza A, B, and C, can evolve and produce various strains.
• They are very contagious and spread from one person to another whenever an infected individual speaks, sneezes, coughs, or releases droplets while doing so.
• These can then settle on surfaces where they can be picked up by people who then contact those surfaces and touch their nose, mouth, or eyes, or they can fall on surfaces where they can be inhaled by others who are close.
• Additionally, the virus can spread when you touch your face after touching a surface or object that has the infection.
• In some cases, individuals may have an infection without displaying symptoms, but they can still spread the virus to others.

• Pneumonia
• Ear and sinus infections
• Dehydration
• Chronic illnesses get worse
• Heart, brain, or muscular tissue inflammation