*COUGH*

"Oh no!" Johnny's mom said, after she coughed loudly.

"What's the matter?" Johnny said, concerned.

"I think I'm getting sick! We'll have to go to the doctor's to get a check-up."

So off little Johnny and his mother went!

Johnny was worried about what was wrong. "What is the doctor going to say?" he thought.

"It will all be good, Johnny. We're almost there!" his mom said.

Johnny and his mother arrived at the hospital. Her cough kept getting worse!

Johnny hoped the doctor could fix everything soon.

"Oh look!" Johnny said. "Here he is now."

"Hi! I'm Dr. Smith. How can I help you today?" the man said.

"Hi, Doctor! My mom's been feeling sick and coughing a lot lately. Is there anything you can do?" Johnny asked impatiently.

His mom and the doctor both smiled and laughed.

"Let's see. When did you start feeling bad?" the doctor asked.

"I think it was just when it started to get chilly outside. I just kept thinking I had a little cold!" Johnny's mom said.

"I don't think you have a cold. I think you have influenza!"

"The flu?" Johnny and his mom asked.

"Yes: the flu! Everything you are saying matches up with those symptoms. Most people also have fevers, headaches, and are tired.

"The flu affects the nose, throat, and lungs, and it can really make it hard to do everyday things. It can be worse in children just like Johnny!