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INFLUENZA VACCINATION CLINICS |
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Influenza
Seasonal Influenza
Seasonal Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. The two main types of human influenza (flu) viruses are types A and B. These viruses are responsible for seasonal flu epidemics each year, which can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent seasonal flu is by getting a seasonal flu vaccination each year. For a schedule of seasonal flu vaccination clinics, click here.
Every year in the United States, on average:
- 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu;
- more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related complications; and
- about 36,000 people die from flu-related causes.
Some people, such as older people, young children, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), are at increased risk for serious complications from seasonal influenza illness.
For updated information on Seasonal Influenza, click here or on the "Seasonal Influenza" tabs.
2009 H1N1 Influenza
2009 H1N1 Influenza is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.
People at high risk for complications from 2009 H1N1 Influenza include pregnant women, young children, and individuals under age 64 with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma and kidney disease. People 65 and older are the least likely to be infected with 2009 H1N1 flu.
The 2009 H1N1 Influenza vaccines are being distributed based on the level of risk for a particular population group, as determined by the CDC. Those target population groups are identified above.
For updated information on 2009 H1N1 Influenza, click here or on the "2009 H1N1 Influenza" tabs.
Prevention of Influenza
Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
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 or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.