Corewell Health is the new name for Lakeland. Learn More

Influenza (Flu)

Flu Season: Are You at Risk?

Although each flu season is different, each year 5 to 20 percent of the population will get the flu. Of those who get the flu, between 3,000 and 49,000 will die from it or from complications, with more than 90 percent of deaths occurring in people over 65. 


"It's very important to avoid touching your eyes and your nose and mouth without cleaning your hands first." -Jim Rockhill, Infection Preventionist, Lakeland Health

What is influenza (flu)?

Influenza (or flu) is a highly contagious viral respiratory tract infection. It usually starts quickly, with fever, muscle aches, sore throat, and a dry cough. People of all ages can get the flu. Although most people are ill with the flu for only a few days, some have a much more serious illness and may need to be hospitalized. Influenza can also lead to pneumonia and death.

Influenza viruses continually change. Because the virus changes, people can get the flu no matter what their age. 

What causes the flu?

The influenza virus is generally passed from person to person through the air - when an infected person sneezes or coughs. But the virus can also live for a short time on objects like doorknobs, pens, pencils, keyboards, telephone receivers, and eating or drinking utensils. So, you can also get the flu by touching something that has been handled by someone infected with the virus and then touching your own mouth, nose, or eyes.

What are the symptoms of the flu?

The following are the most common symptoms of the flu:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Cough
  • Severe aches and pains
  • Fatigue or feeling very tired
  • Sometimes a sore throat

What is the treatment for the flu?

Treatment may include:

  • Medications to relieve aches and fever
  • Medications for congestion and nasal discharge
  • Bed rest and increased intake of fluids
  • Antiviral medications. When started within the first 2 days of treatment, they can reduce how long you'll have the flu and the severity of symptoms.

Continue Watching

Check-up: Understanding COPD and its causes (Jeffrey Grondin, MD)

COPD can be triggered by genetic conditions and environmental factors at work and home.

Physician Video Profile: Kamelia Burrell-Fowler, NP (Family Medicine)

Burrell-Fowler’s approach to care is focused on listening, empowering and educating patients as they collaboration to develop a plan of care tailored to each unique individual.

Check-up: Health check for turning 45 (Lindsey Kinney, DO)

A colonoscopy helps prevent colon cancer and can address and test areas of concern.

Check-up: The importance of routine health care (Lindsey Kinney, DO)

Prioritizing regular, yearly health screening can have major impacts to your long-term health.

Check-up: Measles; very contagious and unpleasant (Raul Torres, DO)

Raul Torres, DO, explains that this is something we hadn’t seen for a long time and the way to prevent it is through vaccination.

Check-up: Antibiotic use and ear infections (Prakash Shrestha, MD)

Family medicine physician Prakash Shrestha, MD, explains the symptoms of a virus versus an infection and signs to look for that an antibiotic is the next step.

Check-up: Longest-living people stay active (Esther Servillas, MD)

Esther Servillas, MD explains how staying active can look different for everyone, but making sure to take the time to move around will help improve health and wellness.

Check-up: Why your health matters (Esther Servillas, MD)

Internal medicine physician Esther Servillas, MD talks about the importance of regular visits with your doctor and how you play a role.

Physician Video Profile: Max Schaefer, DO (Family Medicine)

Max Schaefer, DO, is a family medicine and osteopathic neuromusculoskeletal medicine physician seeing patients in Niles at Corewell Health Primary Care - Longmeadow located in Southwest Michigan.

Physician Video Profile: Lindsey Kinney, DO (Family Medicine)

Lindsey Kinney, DO, is a family medicine doctor seeing patients in Niles at Corewell Health Primary Care - Longmeadow located in Southwest Michigan.

© Spectrum Health Lakeland 2023
Hospital