Seasonal Influenza

Influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious disease caused by the influenza virus. The flu is different from a cold. The flu usually strikes suddenly and may include a fever, headaches, tiredness, a dry cough, or a sore throat. You may also have a stuffy nose and body aches. Millions of people in the United States get the flu each year, and most recover within two weeks.
People who are 65 and older, people with chronic medical conditions, and very young children are more likely to have complications like pneumonia, bronchitis, or sinus and ear infections.
The flu is spread when a person who has it coughs, sneezes, or talks, sending droplets into the air, where other people breathe them in. It can also be spread when a person touches a contaminated surface like a door handle or a faucet and then touches his or her nose or mouth.

Flu viruses change from year to year, which means two things. First, you can get the flu more than once during your lifetime. The immunity (natural protection that develops against a disease after a person has had that disease) that is built up from having the flu caused by one virus strain does not always provide protection when a new strain is circulating.

Second, a vaccine that protected against flu viruses circulating last year may not protect against a newer virus. That is why the influenza vaccine is updated each year.

An annual flu shot can prevent much of the sickness and death caused by the flu. Click here to learn who should get a flu shot. Flu clinic dates, times, and locations will be posted here each fall.

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