Influenza (Flu)

Information and resources on Influenza (flu)

Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses infecting the nose, throat, and lungs. Some groups, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at higher risk of serious flu complications. There are two main types of flu viruses: Types A and B. These flu viruses, in people, are responsible for the seasonal flu each year. The best way to reduce the risk of flu and possible serious problems is by getting the flu vaccine each year.

Protect Your Family from the Flu

  1. Avoid contact with people who are sick.
  2. Avoid touching your face.
  3. Cover your coughs and sneezes with the inside of your elbow or a clean tissue.
  4. Wash your hands often with soap and water.
  5. Stay home when sick.
  6. Take medicine as directed by your healthcare provider.

Know Flu Symptoms

People who have the 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, or
  • Fatigue (tiredness).

NOTE: Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

Flu Vaccine: What should I know?

Getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever to protect yourself, your family and your community from flu. A flu vaccine each year can help reduce the burden on our healthcare systems, such as hospital admissions due to the flu. 

A yearly flu vaccine is the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine, each year, especially people at risk of serious difficulties related to having the flu.

  • Get the vaccine, each year, as soon as the flu vaccine is available in your community.
  • Flu vaccines protect against viruses research suggests will be most common each year.
  • Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine as soon as the current season's vaccines are available.
  • Children younger than 6 months are at high risk of serious flu illness but are too young to be vaccinated so people who care for them should get the vaccine instead.
  • People at high risk of developing serious flu difficulties should be get the vaccine (e.g. children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease and people 65 years and older).
  • Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities should get a flu vaccine each year.

Where can I get the flu vaccine?

You may be able to get a flu vaccine at your healthcare provider’s office, your local pharmacy, local urgent care center, or a local VNA/Home Health community clinic. They may schedule you a time to get your vaccine or they may hold flu clinics. 

*We recommend you call the site before visiting to make sure the facility has the specific vaccine you are seeking.

For more information about the flu – symptoms, prevention, treatment, and flu activity – visit www.cdc.gov/flu/

Additional Flu Resources

Child Care Providers and Schools

Healthcare Providers

Influenza Information

Contact Information

Infectious Disease Reporting and Forms
Vaccine Schedules
Immunize.org
 Escape Site