Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. Flu is very infectious and easily spread to other people. It is spread by germs from coughs and sneezes, which can live on hands and surfaces for 24 hours.
Flu will often get better on its own, but it can make some people seriously ill and each year causes thousands of people to go to hospital. If you have a long term health condition such as heart disease, chronic respiratory disease, diabetes, blood disorders or cancer, you’re more at risk of becoming seriously ill from flu. Flu vaccination offers the best protection to help people at risk of getting seriously ill from flu.