Flu is an illness caused by the influenza virus - it is an infectious disease of the upper air passages and can spread easily from person to person. Outbreaks of seasonal flu follow predictable seasonal patterns and occur annually, usually in winter. Unlike pandemic flu, you can be vaccinated to protect yourself from suffering from seasonal flu.

• Occurs every year during the winter
• Affects up to about 10% of the population
• For most people it is an unpleasant but not life-threatening infection
• The very young, the very old and people with certain chronic illnesses are most at risk of serious illness
• Annual vaccination is available for those at risk of serious illness
• Antiviral drugs are available to treat those at special risk

Further information:

• Directgov
• NHS Choices