What is Influenza?
Influenza, more commonly known as ‘the flu’, is an infection caused by influenza viruses, notably influenza A and influenza B.
These strains mainly affect the lungs and throat, but can also affect the heart and the rest of the body, especially in those who are most susceptible such as elderly people and young children. The viral infection makes us feel unwell and is very different from severe cold (which is often mistakenly referred to as ‘the flu’).
Some groups of people are more susceptible to the flu than others, and as such, it is important for these higher-risk groups to receive the flu shot and to obtain medical help if they experience any symptoms of the flu.