Influenza is an illness capable of affecting the entire respiratory tract from the nose and throat down to the bronchial tubes and lungs. It is caused by a group of 3 viruses (influenza A, B or C). Unfortunately these viruses keep changing from year to year, forming new outer coats which our immune system cannot recognise. This means that even if you or your child had influenza in the past, this year's virus may be different enough to infect either of you again.
Influenza spreads very rapidly by direct contact with nasal mucus from an infected person or by inhaling droplets coughed or sneezed into the air. The virus is fragile and does not survive for long in the air or on surfaces of furniture. kitchen or bathroom facilities. Illness usually begins 1 to 3 days after exposure.
