2011-2012 Flu Information

Seasonal influenza, or flu, is a contagious respiratory disease that can cause mild to severe illness and can be fatal. Some people, including young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease and people 65 years and older are especially at risk for serious flu complications.

Preventing Influenza:

1. The best way to prevent influenza is to get a flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available. Flu seasons are unpredictable, and can begin as early as October and continue to occur as late as May. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the flu.

This season, the CDC recommends everyone 6 months of age and older get the 2012-2013 flu vaccine, which will protect against the three influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the season. This includes an influenza A (H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus, and an influenza B virus.

Use the Colorado Adult Immunization Coalition (CAIC) Flu Clinic Finder to locate the flu vaccine clinic nearest you. If you have any questions about the flu vaccine, talk to your doctor or call your local health department for information.

2.  If you feel sick, stay home. This goes for your children and for yourself. Take time to care for your health and prevent others from becoming sick too.

3.  Wash your hands. Proper hand washing is the first line of defense against the spread of many illnesses. Learn the best way to wash your hands with this video from Children’s Hospital Colorado.

4. Cover your cough. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

Facts on Flu:

• CDC Influenza Page - English
• CDC Influenza Page - Español
• Commonly Asked Questions
• The Flu Surveillence page shows where flu is occurring in Colorado.
• Influenza Vaccine Safety (CDC)
• 2012-2013 Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) - Seasonal Shot
• 2012-2013 Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) - Nasal Spray
• The Cost of Getting the Flu Infographic
  

Just for Fun:

• Send Flu Prevention Health-e-Cards from the CDC
• Sesame Street's Elmo and Gordon teach "Healthy Habits for Flu Prevention"
• Solecitos teach kids (en Español) about the importance of flu prevention in "No Dancing with Flu"
• ScrubClub.org - A fun, educational site for kids, parents and teachers to teach good hygeine to children and prevent the spread of illness caused by bacteria and viruses.

Remember -- get the vaccine, not the flu!