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What is the flu?
The flu is a very contagious disease of the respiratory (breathing) system. The flu is easily passed from one person to another by coughing and sneezing. It is usually very unpleasant, but for most people symptoms generally get better after 7 -10 days.
The flu usually starts very suddenly with:
- fever (from 102° - 104°) lasting 3 - 4 days
- headache
- severe muscle aches
- general weakness/extreme fatigue -
These symptoms are accompanied by:
- dry cough
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
For more information about influenza, visit http://www.cdc.gov/flu/ or http://www.state.ma.us/dph/, or call the Massachusetts Immunization Program at 617-983-6800 or 888-658-2850.