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Seasonal Influenza: The Disease

Influenza (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 seasonal flu is by getting a seasonal flu vaccination each year. Each year in the United States on average, 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu; on average, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related complications, and; about 36,000 people die from flu-related causes. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications. This flu season could be worse. There is a new and very different flu virus spreading worldwide among people called 2009 H1N1 flu. This virus may cause more illness or more severe illness than usual. See 2009 H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) and You for more information.

Key Facts About Seasonal Flu

A summary of key seasonal flu facts and who should get vaccinated…

Symptoms & Severity

Flu symptoms and how some people are at greater risk from severe complications…

How Flu Spreads

How the virus spreads and how long people may be contagious…

Regular Flu Season

General information on regular flu seasons in the United States…

Seasonal Flu and Staph Infections

Information about flu and staph infections, MRSA…

Questions & Answers

 
For CDC Info, Text 'Health' to 87000. www.flu.gov

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