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MMWR study also found that during seasons when influenza A (H3N2) viruses were prominent death rates were more than double what they were during seasons when influenza A (H1N1) or influenza B viruses predominated.

An August 27, 2010 MMWR report entitled

CDC does not know exactly how many people die from seasonal flu each year. There are several reasons for this. First, states are not required to report individual seasonal flu cases or deaths of people older than 18 years of age to CDC.

In addition, some commonly used tests to diagnose influenza in clinical settings are not highly sensitive and can provide false negative results (i.e. they misdiagnose flu illness as not being flu.) For these reasons, many flu-related deaths may not be recorded on death certificates.

The viruses can also be spread when a person touches a surface with flu viruses on it (for example, a door handle) and then touches his or her nose or mouth. 

A person who has the flu can spread viruses - that means they are contagious. Adults may be contagious from 1 day before feeling sick to up to 7 days after getting sick.

Children can be contagious for longer than 7 days. 

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.  When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick, too. 

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then put your used tissue in a wastebasket.  It may prevent those around you from getting sick. 

If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your  hands.  Clean your hands after coughing or sneezing.  Clean your hands   Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.  Wash with soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner.  Keep alcohol-based hand sanitizers in your bag and car, when soap and water is not available.  Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.  Stay home when you are sick  If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.   Practice healthy habits  Get regular exercise, enough rest, and eat healthy balanced meals.  Other habits for good health  3. Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor recommends them. Four antiviral drugs (amantadine, rimantadine, zanamivir, and oseltamivir) can be used to prevent influenza. All of these medications are prescription drugs, and a doctor must be consulted before using them.  More Information  Smoking and Influenza  - Some studies show that smokers are more likely to get the flu, and there is a higher mortality rate from the flu among smokers than among nonsmokers.  Protecting Against the Flu: Advice for Caregivers of Children Less Than 6 Months Old - Because infants cannot get vaccine or antiviral drugs but are at higher risk for serious flu complications, protecting them from flu is especially important.  Cover your Cough - Flyers available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Chinese, Hmong, and Khmer 

Influenza virus is very contagious.

Epidemics peak during the winter months

Most influenza cases occur during epidemics.

With influenza, the virus usually has mutated (changed) somewhat since the first infection.

The most common types of influenza virus are A and B. Influenza A is the one usually responsible for the annual epidemics.

Most people get multiple flu infections during their lives.

With many other types of infections, having the disease once protects against a second infection.

That is because the body's immune system remembers the returning virus. It attacks it immediately, and rapidly eliminates it.

A particularly widespread and severe epidemic is called a pandemic.

Flu can cause a variety of symptoms. They can be mild or severe. Symptoms and severity depend on the type of virus, your age and overall health.

Chills Moderate to high fever (101 to 103 degrees Fahrenheit) Sore throat Runny nose Muscle aches Headaches Fatigue Cough Diarrhea Dizziness

Vaccination — Vaccination can reduce your chances of getting the flu and transmitting it to others. Vaccination each year is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older.

Good hygiene — The virus usually is passed through the air, by coughing. It also is passed by direct contact, such as shaking hands or kissing.

Antiviral drugs — Zanamivir (Relenza) and oseltamivir (Tamiflu) can substantially reduce your chance of getting the flu if they are taken just before an expected outbreak.

Avoid close contact (holding, kissing) between infants and anyone who has a cold or flu

Stay home from work or school if you have influenza (fever, muscle aches, cough)

Do not share anything that goes into the mouth such as drinking cups and straws

Frequently clean commonly touched surfaces (door knob, refrigerator handle, phone, water faucets) if someone in the house has a cold or flu

It is best to avoid smoking around children.