While many people welcome the change of seasons, no one looks forward to the influenza (flu) season, which generally runs from November through March. The flu -a contagious infection of the nose, throat and lungs -is caused by different strains of the influenza virus.." "Influenza vaccination is the most effective method for preventing influenza virus infection and its potentially severe complications," "The flu kills about 36,000 people each year and causes older people and those with chronic illness to be hospitalized. Vaccination makes it less likely for healthy people to experience flu symptoms and for more vulnerable people to suffer from severe complications or to die from the flu." The flu virus spreads through the air and is very contagious; it can strike people in an office, classroom, dormitory or other group all at once. People can get the flu by breathing in droplets from coughs or sneezes or by touching a surface (such as phone) that has the virus on it, and then touching their mouth, nose or eyes.

In addition to getting the flu vaccine, frequent hand washing is one of the best defenses against getting the flu."Please see your primary care provider for additional information". The CDC recommends an annual flu vaccination for:

• All persons, including school-aged children, who want to reduce the risk of becoming ill with influenza or of transmitting influenza to others .

• All persons 50 years of age or older

• Children and adolescents (age 6 months to 18 years)

• Women who will be pregnant during the influenza season

• Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities

• Persons who live with or care for people at high risk for influenza-related complications including healthy household contacts and caregivers of children ages 0-59 months

• Healthcare workers

NLBC Health and Wellness Ministry

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