Seasonal Flu (Influenza)

Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs. Causing mild to severe illness, about 200,000 people in the United States are hospitalized with complications due to influenza and 36,000 die from seasonal influenza. The best way to prevent the flu is to get an influenza vaccine each year.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone over six months of age get the flu vaccine. The 2011/2012 flu vaccine will protect against three different flu viruses: an H3N2 virus, an influenza B virus and the H1N1 virus.

Time to Get Your Flu Shot

The best way to prevent influenza is get get a vaccine each year. The CDC recommends that everyone over 6 months of age get a flu shot.
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Find a Doctor Online
Find a flu shot clinic near you
Flu shot myths

Flu (Influenza) Facts

Flu Facts: Influenza 101
Is it a cold or the flu?
Do's and Don'ts for flu symptom medications
When to call the doctor
Pregnancy and the Flu

Tips for Staying Healthy in Flu Season

The flu is contagious, but there are steps you can take to prevent getting infected. The best way to prevent the flu is to get a vaccination.
Three steps to prevent the flu
Good habits to keep you healthy

Flu Information from our HealthWise Health Library

Overview: Seasonal Flu
Symptoms of influenza
Health Tool: Should I take antiviral medicine?

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