A lot of the illness and death caused by the flu can be prevented by a yearly flu vaccine.

Influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious disease that is caused by the influenza virus. Influenza viruses infect the respiratory tract (nose, throat, and lungs) in humans. The flu is different from a cold, mainly because the symptoms and complications are more severe. Influenza usually comes on suddenly and may include these symptoms: fever, headache, malaise (a feeling of being ill and without energy that can be extreme), cough, sore throat, nasal congestion and body aches.

A lot of the illness and death caused by the flu can be prevented by a yearly flu vaccine. People in high-risk groups and people who are in close contact with those at high risk should get a flu vaccine every year as recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).

Are There Other Ways to Prevent the Flu From Spreading?

Adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before getting symptoms and up to 7 days after getting sick. That means that you can give someone the flu before you know you’re sick as well as while you are sick.

Although there's no guaranteed way - including the vaccine - to prevent anyone from getting the flu, the most simple step you can take is to avoid large crowds. Since it's often nearly impossible to keep kids cooped up, here are some other things you and your family can do to help prevent the spread of infections like the flu:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
  Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.
• Never share cups and eating utensils.
• Stay home from work or school when you're sick with the flu.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

According with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Every year in the United States, on average:

• 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu;
• more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications; and
• approximately 36,000 people die from flu