Flu Vaccination
Shot For Everyone

Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at higher risk of serious flu complications.

Flu viruses are most common during the fall and winter. The exact timing and duration of flu seasons varies, but influenza activity often begins to increase in October. Most of the time flu activity peaks between December and February, although significant activity can last as late as May.

People with flu can spread it to others up to about 6 feet away. flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Less often, a person might get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.

People who have flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:

• fever or feeling feverish/chills
• cough
• sore throat
• runny or stuffy nose
• muscle or body aches
• headaches
• fatigue (tiredness)
• some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

(It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.)

People at higher risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant females, people with certain chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease, and people 65 years and older.

Flu vaccines help to reduce the burden of flu illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths. A yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses. Take everyday preventive actions that are recommended to reduce the spread of flu.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with viruses that cause flu.
• People should stay home for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone except to get medical care or other necessities.

Everyone 6 months and older should get an annual flu vaccine, ideally by the end of October. Infants younger than 6 months are at higher risk of serious flu illness but are too young to be vaccinated. People who care for infants should be vaccinated instead.