Flu Season is 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 complications, and about 36,000 people die from flu

SYMPTOMS OF FLU

• Fever (Usually high)
• Headache
• Extreme riredness
• Dry cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle aches
• Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur but are more common in children than adults

TYPES OF FLU VACCINES

• The "flu shot" - an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. The flu shot is approved for use in people older than 6 months, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions.
• The nasal-spray flu vaccine - a vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu (sometimes called LAIV for "Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine"). LAIV (FluMist) is approved for use in healthy people 2-49 years of age* who are not pregnant.

The single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year.

Each vaccine contains three influenza viruses-one A (H3N2) virus, one A (H1N1) virus, and one B virus. The viruses in the vaccine change each year based on international surveillance and scientists' estimations about which types and strains of viruses will circulate in a given year.

About 2 weeks after vaccination, antibodies that provide protection against influenza virus infection develop in the body.

WHEN TO GET VACCINATED
October or November is the best time to get vaccinated, but you can still get vaccinated in December and later. Flu season can begin as early as October and last as late as May

WHO SHOULD GET VACCINATED
In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. However, it is recommended by ACIP that certain people should get vaccinated each year. They are either people who are at high risk of having serious flu complications or people who live with or care for those at high risk for serious complications. During flu seasons when vaccine supplies are limited or delayed, ACIP makes recommendations regarding priority groups for vaccination.

PEOPLE WHO SHOULD GET VACCINATED EACH YEAR

• People at high risk for complications from the flu, including:
  - Children aged 6 months until their 5th 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:
  - 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)
  - Healthcare workers

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 flu vaccination in the past
• People who developed Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) within 6 weeks of getting an influenza vaccine previously
• Flu vaccine is not approved for use in children less than 6 months of age
• People who have a moderate or severe illness with a fever should wait to get vaccinated until their symptoms lessen

For more information on Influenza visit CDC website.