Fight the Flu!

Cause

What causes the flu?

The first flu virus was identified in the 1930s. Since then, scientists have classified influenza viruses into types A, B, and C.

• Type A is the most common and usually causes the most serious epidemics.
• Type B outbreaks also can cause epidemics, but the disease it produces generally is milder than that caused by type A.
• Type C viruses, on the other hand, never have been connected with a large epidemic.

Transmission

You can get the flu if someone around you who has the flu coughs or sneezes. You can get the flu simply by touching a surface like a telephone or door knob that has been contaminated by a touch from someone who has the flu. The viruses can pass through the air and enter your body through your nose or mouth. If you’ve touched a contaminated surface, they can pass from your hand to your nose or mouth.

You are at greatest risk of getting infected in highly populated areas, such as in crowded living conditions and in schools.

Content Created/Medically Reviewed by our Expert Doctors