Each year, on average, 5 percent to 20 percent of the U.S. population gets the flu, tens of thousands are hospitalized and thousands die from flu-related illness.

tens of thousands are hospitalized and thousands die from flu-related illness.

accination is the single best way to

helping to prevent an estimated 6.6 million flu-related illnesses, 3.2 million flu-related medical visits and 79,000 hospitalizations.

could have been protected if they had gotten vaccinated

experts on influenza

CDC to provide the best guidance possible on how to prevent and control the spread of influenza.

CDC plays a major role in deciding which flu viruses the annual flu vaccine will protect against

mild to moderate and do not need emergency treatment

(fever of 100°F (38°C) or higher

cough

sore throat)

been fever-free for 24 hours without the aid of fever-reducing medications such as Tylenol.

Children between 6 months and 8 years of age may need two doses of flu vaccine to be fully protected from flu. Discuss this with your child's healthcare provider.

The best time to get the flu vaccine is soon after it becomes available in the fall of each year.

The exposure to the inactivated influenza virus helps our bodies develop protection by producing antibodies

amount of antibodies in the body is greatest one to two months after vaccination

two weeks for the body to develop immunity to influenza.

FluMist is a nasal spray approved to protect people from getting the flu.

s made from live but weakened virus strains.

people ages 2-49.

not been proven safe for high risk populations.

Practice Good Health Habits

The most common way to catch the flu is to touch your own eyes, nose or mouth with germy hands.

We highly recommend that you stay home from work, school and public places when you are sick. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing, but never your hand. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.