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 a virus that infects 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. People in certain high-risk groups are especially encouraged to get an annual flu vaccine, including all children over 6 months of age.

People who should get vaccinated each year are:· 

• All children aged 6 months up to their 19th birthday
• Pregnant women· 
• People 50 years of age and older· 
• People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions including but not limited to:
  • heart disease, lung disease, asthma, metabolic disease (diabetes
  • muscle or nerve disorders (seizure disorders or cerebral palsy)o 
  • weakened immune system caused by HIV/AIDS or medications
  • Children  6 months to 18 years of age on long-term aspirin treatment· 
• People who live in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities·
• People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
  • Healthcare workers
  • Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
  • Household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children younger than 5 years and adults older than 50 years of age

Influenza vaccine is also recommended for anyone else who wants to reduce their chance of getting influenza.

There are 2 types of influenza vaccine.

• One is an injection (shot).  Anyone 6 months and older can received this type of vaccine.·
• The second is a nasal mist version of the flu vaccine that is available for healthy people 2-49 years of age who are not pregnant.

People who should not be vaccinated against flu 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-to-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·
• Do not share utensils, such as silverware