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 Questions
about
the flu?
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CDC
Flu Information
For further information
contact the CDC:
English: (800) 232-2522
Español: (800) 232-0233
For Clinicians
(877) 554-4625
Santa Cruz County
Flu Information Line
English and Spanish
(831) 454-4343
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Where
to get a
flu vaccine?
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Hotlines
& Contacts - Education
& Prevention - Flu Information Resources
 Influenza
(the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza
viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness and death. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people
with certain
health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications
and death.
In 2009-2010, a new strain of flu virus (called 2009 H1N1)
spread worldwide, causing the first flu pandemic in more than 40 years.
The 2009 H1N1 virus has now become the main seasonal influenza virus. Now
that most of the population has been exposed to 2009 H1N1, it will
probably behave nearly the same as other flu viruses. The 2011-2012
flu vaccine will protect against 2009 H1N1 and two other influenza
viruses, the same three strains as in 2010-2011.
The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated
each year. Flu shots are 70-90% effective in healthy adults. The flu shot cannot give you the flu,
because it is made from killed (inactivated) flu viruses. The
vaccine is recommended for everyone six months of age or older.
Intranasal vaccine is also available, for healthy, non-pregnant persons 2
to 49 years of age. The shot and the intranasal vaccine appear to be
about equally effective.
In an average year in the United States:
- 5% to 20% of the population gets
the flu;
- more than 200,000 people are
hospitalized from flu complications,
- 36,000 people die from flu.
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Symptoms of Flu
- fever (often high, usually with very sudden onset),
- headache,
- extreme tiredness,
- dry cough,
- sore throat,
- runny or stuffy nose, and
- muscle aches.
- gastro-intestinal symptoms, such as nausea,
vomiting, and diarrhea, are fairly common among children but uncommon in adults.
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 Flu
Prevention Tips
Influenza spreads
mainly person-to-person, through coughing or sneezing of
infected people.
Take everyday actions to stay
healthy. Use common
sense!
Seeking
Medical Care?
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People with mild
illness should NOT go to emergency rooms, urgent care or
hospitals for treatment.
Keep emergency rooms
and hospitals free to treat serious illnesses.
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Stay
at Home Toolkit for Influenza
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Please do not request
antiviral medication for routine illnesses. Providers will
prescribe treatments based on symptoms and possible exposure.
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If you have flu-like
symptoms call your health care provider and let them know of any
possible exposure. Wear a mask before you enter your provider’s
office. Your health care provider will make an assessment and
decide if you need a test. Laboratory testing is
recommended for people with severe flu-like symptoms.
Flu Information
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