Seasonal Flu

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.



H1N1

Flu refers to illnesses caused by a number of different influenza viruses. Flu can cause a range of symptoms and effects, from mild to lethal. Two strains of flu are currently circulating in the United States: 1) seasonal flu and 2) pandemic H1N1 flu. This pandemic H1N1 flu is made up of bird (avian), swine and human flu viruses, that is why we are no longer calling it just "swine" flu.

Prevent Getting and Spreading the Seasonal & H1N1 Flu

• Get a seasonal flu shot when available
  
• Stay home from work or school
• Cover your cough with your arm or tissue
• Wash your hands often and use alcohol–based hand sanitizer (60% alcohol)
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth
• Avoid close contact with sick people
• Get the H1N1 vaccine when available
  

Stay Informed!


For more information on H1N1:

Center for Disease Control


Flu.Gov


Ohio Department of Health