Flu in Children Causes

The flu is caused by one of 3 types of influenza viruses. Types A and B are responsible for the yearly flu epidemics, and type C causes sporadic illness. Type A is further divided into different subtypes based on the chemical structure of the virus.

Influenza is highly contagious. The virus is spread when someone either inhales infected droplets in the air (coughed up or sneezed by an infected person) or when someone comes in direct contact with an infected person's secretions (for example, kissing, sharing of handkerchiefs and other items, and through use of objects such as spoons and forks).