CAUSED BY: 

Influenza, or flu, is an illness caused by a virus transmitted through tiny droplets of moisture, created when people with flu cough, sneeze, or even talk. Since there’s no better time to catch up with everyone than over the holidays, this unfortunately means that it has plenty of opportunity to jump from person to person.

SPREAD BY: 

The flu virus is very contagious and can be spread by someone that has the flu from the day before they start to feel symptoms, up to seven days afterwards. Regardless of how careful people with the illness can be, these viruses settle and accumulate on door handles, gadgets and most importantly: kitchen surfaces. It’s a cruel joke that the flu season falls over the time of year with the best food!

SYMPTOMS INCLUDE: 

• Cough
• Sore throat
• Muscle aches and pains
• Runny or stuffy nose

Lots of people associate flu with having a fever, and whilst this can be a nasty symptom, not everyone with flu gets it, so don’t rule it out even if you don’t have this symptom yourself.

LASTS FOR:  

Although most people get over the worst of the flu in a week or so, it can be very unpredictable and certain people are at greater risk of serious complications, particularly young children and the elderly.