Seasonal Influenza (Flu)
Influenza (or flu) is a contagious viral infection that causes headache, fever, chills, cough or sore throat and body aches. Once again this year, the Health Department is closely monitoring the vaccine supply situation.
- Persons Recommended for Influenza Vaccination
- Influenza Activity, Surveillance and Reports
- National Influenza Vaccination Week
Vaccine Information
The best way to protect yourself from getting the flu is by getting flu vaccine. You cannot get the flu from getting vaccinated. Because the flu virus changes each year, it is important that you receive a flu vaccine every year. It takes about two weeks after vaccination to develop protection against the flu. The best months to get vaccinated are October through December; however, you can get vaccinated throughout the season. Any protection against the flu is better than no protection!
The flu vaccine contains three influenza viruses - two A viruses, and one B virus. These viruses are killed or weakened viruses that cannot give you the flu. The viruses in the vaccine change each year based on international surveillance and scientists' predictions about which types and strains of viruses will circulate in a given year. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web site for more information on the composition of the 2007-2008 flu vaccines.
- Questions & Answers: Flu Vaccine - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
More Information on Influenza
- Fact Sheet
- Persons Recommended for Influenza Vaccination
- Questions & Answers: Cold Versus Flu - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Fight the Flu!
- FluMist, the Nasal Flu Vaccine
- Helpful Links & Resources
- The Faces of Influenza - American Lung Association
- Related Press Releases