What is the flu?
Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. The virus attacks the nose, throat, and lungs. It is not the “stomach flu.” The flu can be prevented by vaccination.

 
What are the symptoms of the flu?
Symptoms of the flu include fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscles aches. Children can have additional symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

How is the flu spread?
The flu is spread when an infected person who has the flu coughs or sneezes and sends the flu virus into the air. The virus enters the nose, throat, or lungs of a person and multiplies. Flu also spreads (though less likely) when a person touches the surface of an object that has flu viruses on it. The virus then enters the body when the person rubs his or her nose.

Is the flu dangerous?
Children less than 2 years old—even healthy children—are at high risk of ending up in the hospital if they get the flu. Vaccinating young children, their families, and other caregivers can help protect them from getting sick. Children may get sinus problems and ear infections as complications from the flu.

Can the flu be prevented?
The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccination each year. October or November is the best time to get vaccinated, but getting vaccinated in December or even later can still be beneficial, because influenza activity typically occurs in January or later.
Other measures include:
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay home from work or school when you are sick
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
• Wash your hands often with soap and water
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, thus reducing the spreading of germs

Who should get vaccinated?
Influenza vaccine is recommended for:
• All children age 6 through 59 months
• People who care for children 0-5 years of age
• People of any age who have medical conditions that place them at increased risk for serious influenza-related complications

Who else should get vaccinated?
In general, anyone, including school-aged children, who want 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.  Continued on Page 2.