What is Influenza (also known as Flu)?
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can lead to serious illnesses and complications and sometimes death. Did you know that each 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
• About 36,000 people die from flu

Flu Symptoms
Fever, headache, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, tiredness, muscle aches, and stomach symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea which are more common in younger children.

Complications
Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, sinus and ear infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma, and congestive heart failure.

How Flu Spreads
Flu is spread from person to person via coughing or sneezing by someone who has the flu. You can become infected by touching something with the flu viruses on it and then touching your mouth or nose. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 days after becoming ill.

Preventing Seasonal Flu
GET VACCINATED. The Flu Shot is an inactivated vaccine, (containing killed virus), that is given with a needle. About 2 weeks after vaccination, antibodies develop that protect against the flu. Flu vaccines will not protect against flu-like illnesses caused by non- influenza viruses.

Who Should Get Vaccinated
Anyone who wants to decrease their chances of getting the flu should get vaccinated. Certain people should get vaccinated annually if they are considered high risk because of the increased possibility for flu related complications. Others should not get vaccinated before speaking to their physician.

For more information about seasonal flu, visit www.cdc.gov/flu. For information about Swine flu, visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/.
For information about the seasonal flu vaccine, visit www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm.
You can also reach the CDC by telephone at: 800-CDC-INFO (English and Spanish) or 888-232-6348 (TTY).