Following the flu
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by
influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness,
and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent
the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year. Every
year in the United States, on average 5% to 20% of the
population gets the flu; more than 200,000 people are
hospitalized from flu complications, and; about 36,000
people die from flu. Some people, such as older people,
young children, and people with certain health
conditions, are at high risk for serious flu
complications.
Vaccination
- There are two types of
vaccines:
- The "flu shot"— an inactivated vaccine (containing
killed virus) that is given with a needle, usually in
the arm. The flu shot is approved for use in people
older than 6 months, including healthy people and people
with chronic medical conditions.
- The nasal-spray flu vaccine — a vaccine made
with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the
flu. FluMist is approved for use in healthy people 2-49
years of age who are not pregnant. The Flu Mist is NOT
available through the Health Department but if it is an
option for you, check with your provider to see where
you can get it.
About 2 weeks after vaccination, antibodies that
provide protection against the flu develop in the body.
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