Flu Shots

Everyone age six months and older needs to get a flu shot each year. The seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others from the flu. For many people, the seasonal flu is a mild illness. However, for some people, the flu can cause serious infections like pneumonia. The flu can also make some health problems, like asthma, worse. In some
cases, the flu can lead to hospitalization or even death.

The flu spreads easily from person to person. By getting your flu vaccine you protect not only yourself but everyone around you. For some people the flu is more likely to cause serious illness that can lead to hospitalization or even death. If you are at high risk from the flu, it’s especially important to get the vaccine before flu begins to spread in your community.

Groups at high risk from the flu include pregnant women, children under age five and adults age 65 and older. People with health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, or heart disease are also high risk groups. If you spend time with someone at high risk from the flu, you can protect both yourself and them by getting a flu shot.

What are the symptoms of the flu?

Flu symptoms include:

A 100^oF or higher fever or feeling feverish (not everyone with the flu has a fever)
A cough and/or sore throat
A runny or stuffy nose
Headaches and/or body aches
Chills
Fatigue
Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea (most common in children)

Do I have the flu or a cold?

Read more about the flu at the link below:

http://www.flu.gov/symptoms-treatment/symptoms/

About the Flu

Additional information about different types of flu:
http://www.flu.gov/about_the_flu/index.html

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