What is Flu
Seasonal Influenza 2011—2012

Seasonal Flu:

• Is a contagious, respiratory illness caused by a virus.
• Is preventable with a vaccine.
• Can cause severe respiratory problems or pneumonia
• Can cause mild to severe illness, even death.
• The symptoms for the common cold and seasonal flu are similar.
• 5 to 20 percent of the population get the flu in any given year.
• Causes about 36,000 deaths and about 200,000 hospitalizations per year in the US
• Flu outbreaks in the US last from the fall through early spring.

Seasonal Flu Symptoms:

• Chills
• Fever, usually over 100F
• Extreme tiredness or weakness
• Sore throat

• Muscle & body aches
• Headache
• Dry cough
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

Those at high risk for Flu-related complications or live/work with those at high risk include:

• Pregnant women
• Children < 5 years old, especially < 2 years old
• Adults over 50 years old
• People with chronic medical conditions

• People living in nursing or long-term homes
• Those who care for people at high-risk
• Health care workers
• Caregivers of children less than 6 months old

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