Flu is a highly contagious viral infection. It is caused by a virus that attacks the nose, throat, and lungs, but is different from a cold. Influenza symptoms come quickly in the form of fever, headache, tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, and body aches. These symptoms can be severe for a number of days. Although most people who become infected with influenza will get sick and require bed rest, people who are elderly or have other health problems can require hospitalization. Some die from the flu.
Groups most seriously affected include:
- All children ages 6-23 months
- Adults aged 65 years and older
- Persons aged 2-64 years with underlying chronic medical conditions (this includes heart and lung disease, asthma, and diabetes)
- All women who will be pregnant during the influenza season
- Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities
- Children aged 6 months to 18 years on chronic aspirin therapy
- Health care workers involved in direct patient care
- Out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of children 6 months and younger
The live nasal-spray flu vaccine (Flumist®) is always an option for healthy persons aged 5-49 years who are not pregnant. This vaccine is not subject to prioritization and can be given to healthy 5-49 year olds at any time. For more information: