Help Protect Yourself with a Flu Vaccination

Now is the time to get your seasonal flu vaccination. Flu season has started and could run through April.

Influenza, or the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by an influenza virus. It can cause mild to very bad illness, and at times can lead to death. A good way to avoid seasonal flu is to get a flu vaccination each year.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that each year in the U.S.:

• Five to 20 percent of people get the flu
• More than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related problems
• About 36,000 people die from flu-related causes

Your best chance to avoid the flu and complications from the flu is to get your flu vaccination. Ask your doctor about whether getting a flu vaccination is right for you.

• Who should get a flu vaccination?
• Where can you get a flu vaccination?
• What can you do to help stop the spread of germs?
• Did you know that proper hand washing can also help the spread of flu?
• What should you do if you or a family member gets sick?