Seasonal Flu Defined

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the seasonal flu is a respiratory illness caused by influenza virus. The seasonal flu is contagious causing five to 20 percent of Americans to contract the seasonal flu every year. The seasonal flu can cause mild to severe illness, and at times may cause death. Every year more than 200,000 Americans are hospitalized due to complications from the flu and approximately 36,000 Americans die each year from the seasonal flu.

To prevent getting the seasonal flu be sure to get a flu vaccination every year. Being vaccinated for the flu will not cause the flu, instead you will develop immunity to the influenza virus.

Types of Flu Vaccination
There are two types of flu vaccination, the flu shot and the nasal-spray. The flu shot contains inactive, or killed, viruses and is given with a needle. The nasal-spray flu vaccine contains live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu.

The flu shot is approved for people six months of age and older. The flu nasal-spray is approved for healthy people five years to 49 years of age who are not pregnant. Consult your health care provider to see which type of flu vaccination is best for you.

Who Should Get the Flu Vaccination
Certain populations should get their flu vaccination every year. These populations are:

  1. People at high risk for complications from the flu, including:
    • Children aged six months until their fifth birthday
    • Pregnant women
    • People 50 years of age and older
    • People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions, and
    • People who live in nursing homes and other long term care facilities
  1. 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 six months of age
    • Health care workers
  1. Anyone who wants to decrease their risk of influenza

When to Get Vaccinated
The best time to get the flu vaccination is October or November each year. However, being vaccinated in December or January may still protect you from the flu since most flu cases are seen in January or later.

Additional resources:

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