- The flu is caused by various influenza virus strain that are highly contagious
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While the flu shares symptoms, such as sore throat, cough, and a runny nose, with the common cold, the flu can result in far more devastating consequences. This especially so for older people with chronic health problems.
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The virus is spread through small droplets of fluid created from coughs, sneezes, and saliva exiting your mouth while talking. Someone with the flu - who may not know it yet because they haven’t experienced symptoms - can infect someone else with the virus up to a day before they start showing symptoms. Symptoms may take up to four days to show after entering your system. Typically, you are contagious for another five to seven days after showing symptoms.
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The elderly are typically the demographic group most affected by the flu and should consider getting the annual flu vaccine as added protection.
Qatar Ministry of Public Health offers free flu vaccinations for all people over the age of 60.
