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Flu Information


Where can I get a flu vaccine?


en español

What is the flu?
Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus that gets into the nose, throat and lungs. Flu spreads easily from one person to another when a person sick with the flu virus coughs, sneezes or talks. Flu can also spread when a person touches a surface that has the flu virus on it (doorknobs, hands, computer keyboards, telephones, etc.) then touches their nose, eyes or mouth.

Is the flu serious?
Having the flu is different from having a cold. Illness from flu can range from mild to severe. For some people, flu can lead to other illnesses (complications) like sinus or ear infections, bronchitis or pneumonia. Flu can make long-term medical conditions (such as diabetes or heart disease) worse.  Complications from flu can be life-threatening for some people and even lead to death.

When is "flu season”?
Flu usually occurs in the winter in the US. The time when flu begins to appear in the community varies from year to year. Flu season can begin as early as October and last until May.

How can I prevent the flu?
Vaccination is the best way to prevent the flu. Flu viruses change and new strains of flu often appear. Flu vaccine is made to protect against the strains of flu most likely to make people sick each year. This is why flu vaccine must be repeated every year. 

Who should get flu vaccine?
Flu vaccine is recommended for everyone over 6 months of age. People who are at a greater risk of developing complications if they catch the flu should get the vaccine. These include:

  • People age 65 and older
  • Children younger than 5 years of age, especially children younger than 2
  • Pregnant women
  • People with long term health problems such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, kidney disease, blood disorder, conditions of  the nervous system, asthma, cancer, HIV/AIDS, and people who are very overweight (have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater).
  • Native Americans and Native Alaskans also seem to be at greater risk

There is more than one type of flu vaccine. Which one should I get?
Flu vaccine is available in a shot form or nasal spray.

  • Flu shots. The flu shot is made from inactivated (killed) virus. It is usually given with a needle in the arm. There are several kinds of flu shots:
    • The seasonal flu shot is given in the muscle. It is for anyone over 6 months of age, pregnant women, and people with long term health problems.
    • The high dose flu shot is also given in the muscle. This kind of vaccine offers stronger protection against flu for older adults. It is for people 65 years of age and over. This vaccine became available last year. 
    • The intradermal flu shot uses a smaller needle and is given just under the skin. It uses less antigen (the part of the vaccine that helps the body build protection) to provide the same protection as the regular flu shot. It is for adults from 18 to 64 years of age. This vaccine is new this year. (Not available at Human Services flu vaccine clinics)
  • Nasal spray vaccine. The nasal spray vaccine is made from live, weakened virus. It is sprayed into the nose. It can be given to healthy people ages 2 to 49 years of age. The nasal spray vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women or people who are at higher risk for complications from the flu. They should get the flu shot instead.

The 2011–12 flu vaccine protects against both H1N1 and seasonal strains of flu.

Not everyone can get the same kind of vaccine and some people cannot get flu vaccine. Check with your vaccine provider to learn what type you can use or if you cannot get the vaccine.

When should I get flu vaccine?
People should get flu vaccine as soon as supplies are available. It takes a couple of weeks to get protection from the vaccine.

What other things can I do to prevent the flu?

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water. This helps to protect you from germs. No soap and water? Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs get into your body when you touch something that has germs on it and then touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
  • Keep your distance from people who are sick.
  • Get plenty of sleep, exercise often, manage your stress, eat healthy foods and drink plenty of water to stay healthy in the winter and all year long.

What are flu antiviral drugs?
Flu antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. Antiviral drugs are prescribed by a doctor and must be taken soon after symptoms begin to be effective.

How do I keep from spreading the flu if I get it?
Stay home when sick. Do not go to work, to school or run errands when you are sick. Keep children home from school and daycare when they are sick. DO go to the doctor if you need to.

  • Sneeze and cough into your sleeve or a tissue. Throw the used tissue away and wash your hands.
  • Stay away from other people. If possible, sleep in a separate room.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after sneezing or coughing.


Related Links
www.flu.gov
www.cdc.gov/flu
www.flu.nc.gov/flu

mr 10-19-11