Influenza

Influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious disease which attacks the respiratory tract. Symptoms may include fever, headache, tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion and body aches.  According to the Centers of Disease Control, millions of people in the United States will get the flu each year and most will recover in a week or two.   However, an average of about 36,000 people in the United States die from influenza each year, and approximately 114,000 per year have to be admitted to the hospital as a result of influenza. 

Anyone, even healthy people, can get the flu and serious problems from influenza can happen at any age.  Some people will develop life-threatening complications (such as pneumonia) as a result of the flu.  People age 65 years and older, people of any age with chronic medical conditions, and very young children are more likely to get complications from influenza.  Pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus and ear infections are three examples of complications from flu.  The flu can make chronic health problems worse.

Much of the illness and death caused by the flu can be prevented by a yearly flu shot.  People in high-risk groups and people who are in close contact with those at high risk should get a flu shot every year.

Almost anyone who wants to lower his or her chances of getting the flu can get a flu shot. Persons wanting to reduce missed days of work, persons who provide essential community services (such as police, firemen, etc.) should consider getting a flu shot to minimize disruption of essential activities during flu outbreaks. Students or others in institutional settings (those who reside in dormitories) should be encouraged to get a flu shot.

Flu viruses change all the time. For this reason, you need to get a flu shot every year. To give your body time to build the proper defense, it's important to get a flu shot between September and mid-November, before the flu season usually starts.

The best way to protect yourself from the flu virus is with a flu shot from Shots on the Spot . . . and remember, we come to you . . . on the spot.

For more information on influenza, contact the Centers for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov/nip/flu.

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