Common Types of Lung Disease

The flu (influenza) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus. The flu may cause mild to severe illness, or even death. Flu seasons are often unpredictable. Over a period of 30 years (between 1976 and 2006), the CDC estimated US flu-associated deaths to range from a low of about 3,000 to a high of about 49,000 people. Everyone is at risk for the flu, but asthma and lung disease patients are at increased risk. Most people who get the flu will only have mild illness, will not need medical care or antiviral drugs, and will recover in less than two weeks. Some people, however, are more likely to get flu complications that may result in hospitalization, or even death. Children younger than five (especially under 2), adults age 65 or older, pregnant women and those with other diseases are among those at high risk for developing flu-related complications. The CDC recommends that everyone — six months or older — get a flu vaccine.

If you do come down with the flu, see your doctor as soon as possible. The key to getting better quickly is to start treatment within a day or two after symptoms first surface.