People commonly call viral gastroenteritis the "stomach flu." The flu is actually a respiratory illness. People often use the word flu for any infectious illness they get. The flu is a specific type of infection caused by the influenza virus.

The CDC recommends that all people ages 6 months and older get a flu vaccine.

Some people get mild side effects like a low fever or runny nose after getting a flu shot. This may lead them to think they have the flu.

Antiviral drugs can be used against the flu. They work best when started within 2 days of becoming sick. They help to ease symptoms. These drugs can also be used to prevent the flu if you are around someone who has it. The CDC stresses that antiviral medicines are not a substitute for the flu vaccine.

The flu virus is spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. So objects like glasses, tissues, and towels may have the virus on them. You should avoid people with the flu if you can. Also wash your hands and keep them away from your nose and mouth. Your best protection is the vaccine.

The Rapid Test takes 10 to 30 minutes to show a result. It is less accurate than a viral culture, which takes 48 to 72 hours to give a result.

Nine out of 10 people who die from the flu each year are older adults who get complications such as pneumonia after they are severely weakened by flu.

The flu begins with a high fever, cough, muscle aches, headache, and fatigue. Most colds don't include high fever or severe headache. Muscle aches during a cold are milder, and fatigue and weakness from a cold are far less severe than from flu.