Influenza, or “the flu,” is an easy-to-spread viral infection. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year. The symptoms include high
fever, chills, cough, aches and fatigue. Influenza is a serious infection. It is
estimated that each year in the U.S. more than 20,000 children younger than
five years old are hospitalized due to the flu.
It can be hard to tell the difference between the flu and a common cold. Symptoms are
similar, but they are generally more severe with the flu and can also result in other
serious health problems.
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How Do I Get the Flu?
It is most commonly transmitted through the air, it can survive on household surfaces, too, and may spread when a person touches a surface, like a toy, with the virus on it then touches their mouth or nose. Typically, children, older adults and people with specific health conditions are at high risk to contract the flu.
When Is the Flu Most Common?
It is usually prominent when the weather begins to get colder. The typical "flu season" is from October-May, but can vary. Outbreak of the flu, length and severity fluctuate depending upon the seasonal patterns. In temperate climate zones, flu season will typically begin in the late fall and peak in mid- to late winter. And in tropical zones, flu seasons appear to be less pronounced, with year-round isolation of the virus.
View the ACIP Recommendation for Prevention and Control of Influenza with Vaccines - early release July 29, 2010, click here.
Influenza Vaccine Information Sheets (VISs)
We have received a number of questions regarding when the 2010-11 influenza VISs will be available. As of this past Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Website states early August. We will continue to check the site and will let you know when the sheets are available. (Last updated Aug. 8, 2010)
CSL Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Safety
ACIP Recommendations for Use of CSL Influenza Vaccine
Additional information about the ACIP's recommendation is available on their Website, click here. The CDC now has to officially accept this recommendation; we will keep you posted. (Last updated Aug. 8, 2010)
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the CSL Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Safety
View the frequently asked questions Web page, click here.
Children and the Flu, and the Flu Vaccines
There are two types of seasonal influenza vaccines for children: the trivalent inactivated vaccine (TIV) (the flu shot) and the live attenuated vaccine (nasal spray).
Protect your children, view a variety of resources available on the CDC's Website, click here.
ACIP and Afluria in Children
On Aug. 5, 2010, the ACIP voted to recommend against the use of the CSL Biotherapies influenza vaccine, Afluria, in children 8 years of age and under due to the potential of increased risk of fever and/or febrile seizures. However, the ACIP did recommend that children between 5 and 8 years of age at high risk of influenza complications can be vaccinated with Afluria, following a discussion of the risks with the parents, if no other seasonal TIV is available. Additional information about the ACIP's recommendation is available on their Website, click here. The CDC now has to officially accept this recommendation; we will keep you posted. (Last updated Aug. 8, 2010)
Pregnant Women and Flu
Flu is more likely to cause severe illness in pregnant women than in women who are not pregnant. Changes in the immune system, heart, and lungs during pregnancy make pregnant women more prone to severe illness from flu as well as hospitalizations and even death.
They
also have a greater chance for problems for their unborn baby, including premature labor and delivery. Learn more...
Other Flu Prevention Tips and Resources:
Say "Boo!" to the Flu
Families Fighting Flu, Visiting Nurse Associations of America and The Clorox Company teamed up for the Say "Boo!" to the Flu program, a national campaign to increase the number of families vaccinated nationwide and educate them on other simple prevention tricks. Learn more...
National Influenza Vaccination Week - December 5-10, 2010
The CDC has announced the week of December 5-11, 2010, as National Influenza Vaccination Week. This event is designed to highlight the importance of continuing flu vaccination, as well as foster greater use of flu vaccine through the months of December, January and beyond. Learn more at: www.cdc.gov/flu/nivw/help.htm.
Hand washing Chart
It is extremely important to have excellent hand washing techniques, this is especially important for children. Washing your hands properly helped reduce the risk of contracting and spreading the flu virus.
View the Hand Washing Chart.
Seasonal Flu Marketing Materials for Health Professionals
Download and print fliers, checklists, posters, handouts and more. Download now.
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