Flu is a term used to refer to a number of different versions of the influenza virus. Despite the variation in name (be it swine flu, bird flu, etc.), flu symptoms tend to be all the same: fever, chills, coughing, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches and fatigue.

 

Flu season normally starts in late fall and lasts until early spring. The best ways to prevent catching the flu are basic ways to stop the spread of germs: cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze with a tissue, wash your hands often with soap and warm water or an alcohol-based hand rub and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.