Influenza ("Flu") Info

With the 2011-12 flu season nearing, it's a good idea to be vigilant about not spreading germs! Good coughing and sneezing hygiene, combined with frequent handwashing, can help keep you healthy all year long.

Inoculating yourself and your family against influenza (flu) is another good way to work toward staying healthy. The recommendation again this year from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is "universal vaccination," meaning everyone over 6 months of age should get a flu shot.

You should get a flu shot every year, because each year's flu is different from the year before. This year's shot has been tailored to protect you against the strains of influenza (including H1N1) forecasted to be most contagious this year.

Visit the Health Screenings section of our Calendar to find out when and where you can get your flu shot.

Getting a flu shot every year is the best preventive step you can take against flu.

Other Ways You Can Stay Healthy

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
  • Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
  • Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so; a supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand rubs, tissues and other related items might could be useful and help avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious.
  • If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making them sick.