The single best way to prevent the flu
is to get a flu vaccine each year.

Influenza, commonly known as "the flu" is caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. The flu usually spreads through the air from person to person when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Unlike the common cold, the flu causes severe illness and can be life threatening.  Each year over 36,000 people in the U.S. die from complications of the flu.

High Risk Groups & Priority Vaccinations

Flu shots can be given to people 6 months of age and older. It is recommended for people who are at risk of complications from influenza, and for people who can spread influenza to those at high risk (including all their household members):

• Anyone 65 years of age and older.
• Residents of long-term care facilities housing persons with chronic medical conditions.
• People who have long-term health problems with:
  - heart disease   - kidney disease
  - lung disease    - metabolic disease, such as diabetes
  - asthma             - anemia, and other blood disorders
• People with certain muscle or nerve disorders (such as seizure disorders or severe cerebral palsy) that can lead to breathing or swallowing problems.
• People with a weakened immune system due to:
  - HIV/AIDS or other diseases affecting the immune system
  - long-term treatment with drugs such as steroids
  - cancer treatment with x-rays or drugs
• People 6 months to 18 years of age on long-term aspirin treatment (these people could develop Reye's Syndrome if they got influenza).
• Women who will be pregnant during influenza season.
• All children 6-59 months of age.

People who can spread influenza to those at high risk are:

• Household contacts and out-of-home caretakers of children from 0-59 months of age.
• Physicians, nurses, family members, or anyone else in close contact with people at risk of serious influenza.

Influenza vaccine is also recommended for adults 50-64 years of age and anyone else who wants to reduce their chance of getting influenza.

A yearly influenza vaccination should be strongly considered for:

• People who provide essential community services.
• People living in dormitories or under other crowded conditions, to prevent outbreaks.
• People at high risk of influenza complications who travel to the Southern hemisphere between April and September, or to the tropics or in organized tourist groups at any time.

People who should not be vaccinated are:

• People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs.
• People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination in the past.
• People who developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) within 6 weeks of getting an influenza vaccine in the past.
• Children younger than 6 months of age (influenza vaccine is not approved for use in this age group).
• People who have a moderate or severe illness with a fever should wait to get vaccinated until the symptoms lessen.

If you have questions about whether you should get a flu shot, consult your health care provider.

Prevention

The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine each fall.  Contact your health care provider to find out if you should get a flu vaccine.  To prevent transmission of the flu:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds;
• Rinse and dry hands with a disposable towel and use towel to turn faucet off;
• Use an antibacterial hand gel for the times you cannot wash your hands with soap and water;
• Use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, then dispose of tissue and wash your hands;
• Stay home from work or school if you have flu-like symptoms until 48 hours after symptoms stop;
• Refrain from visiting a nursing home if you have flu-like symptoms;
• Eat right, exercise, and get plenty of sleep; and
• Do not share utensils, such as silverware.