Flu is short for influenza (in-floo-EN-za). The flu
is a virus (VY-rus), a tiny form of living matter
that grows in living tissue. Viruses cause sickness in people, animals and plants.
The flu virus causes fever, chills, body aches, headaches, coughing and sneezing,
and can make you very tired. Having the flu means staying home in bed — missing
school, your friends, and the activities you enjoy. Some people with the flu get
so sick they have to go to the hospital. A flu shot can help keep you — and
the people around you — from catching this nasty bug.