Show All Answers

1. What is Influenza ( the "flu")?

"The flu" is a contagious respiratory illness caused by an influenza virus. It can cause mild to severe illness and in some cases can lead to death. Your  best defense against the flu is to be vaccinated each year. Key Facts About Seasonal Flu and Seasonal Flu Vaccine. Flu Season can range from October to as late as May. 

2. How Should Influenza (either seasonal or H1N1 flu) be Treated?

• Rest
• Drink plenty of liquids
• Avoid using tobacco or alcohol
• Take over the counter medication to relieve the symptoms of flu, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. (Be sure to follow dosing instructions)
• NEVER give aspirin to children or teenagers who have flu-like symptoms – particularly fever – without speaking to your doctor first.
• Talk to your doctor about the possibility of anti-viral drugs early on in the illness.

3. Who Should Get Vaccinated?

Anyone ages 6 months and older without a contraindication to influenza vaccine. Certain people should be vaccinated each year either because they are at high risk for developing serious flu-related complications, or because they live with or care for high risk persons.

People who should get vaccinated include:

• 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
• People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
• People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
• Health care workers
• Household contacts of persons at high risk  for complications from the flu
• Household contacts and out of home  caregivers of children less than 6 months  of age (these children are too young to be  vaccinated)

4. Who Should NOT be Vaccinated?

There are some people who should not be vaccinated without first consulting a physician.

These include:

• People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs
• People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination
• People who developed Guillain-Barre Syndrome within 6 weeks of receiving an influenza vaccine
• Children less than 6 months of age (influenza vaccine is not approved for this  age group)
• People who have a moderate-to-severe illness with a fever (they should wait until  they recover to be vaccinated)

Contact your health-care provider if you have questions regarding influenza or the influenza vaccine.