1. Influenza

2. Signs and Symptoms  Influenza is an acute, viral respiratory infection.  Fever, chills, headache, aches and pains throughout the body, sore throat which may lead to bronchitis or pneumonia.  Vomiting and diarrhea may also occur.  Many deaths have been attributed to influenza

3. Transmission  The virus is spread by inhalation or by direct contact.  Reservoirs of infection are primarily humans, but birds and pigs can act as reservoirs.  The multiple host status makes for mixing of flu types.

4. Risk Factors  Age-over age 65  Occupation  Living Conditions  Weakened Immune System- HIV/AIDS, Cancer treatments  Pregnancy  Chronic Illnesses- Asthma, Diabetes, Heart Conditions.

5. How Does it Kill?  Flu/Pneumonia weakens your immune system so that you cannot fight off infection. It also leads to swollen air passages which makes it hard to breathe. In combination with other killers, it can be deadly.