Flu and Influenza Information

National Influenza Vaccination

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)Month

National Influenza Vaccination Awareness is an annual observance in December to remind everyone 6 months and older that there's still time to get vaccinated against flu. Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at higher risk of developing serious flu complications, including young children. Most years, the peak of flu season happens between December and February.

People who have the flu often feel some or all of these signs and symptoms:

• Fever or felling feverish/chills • Cough • Sore Throat • Runny or Stuffy Nose • Muscle or Body aches • Headaches • Fatigue (very tired) • Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea. Though this is more common in children than adults.

Most people who become sick with flu recover in a few days, but some may develop serious complications, like pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus infection. For people with certain chronic health conditions, their impacted immune systems not only put them at high risk of these serious flu-related complications, but flu can also make their chronic health problems worse. Even healthy people with well-managed conditions may not be able to fight off infection:

• People with asthma may experience asthma attacks and a worsening of asthma symptoms • People with diabetes may find it harder to control their blood sugar because flu may raise sugar levels • People with heart disease may experience a worsening of their condition. • The American Lung Association, American Diabetes Association, and American Heart Association recently issued a joint statement about the need for people living with certain chronic health conditions to get a flu vaccine, just as they take their prescribed medications, as part of their regular healthcare management.

Flu activity is increasing nationally and there is significant circulation of three different viruses. The good news is that most flu vaccines in the US protect against four different viruses. As long as flu viruses are circulating, it is not too late to recommend and give a flu vaccine to those with chronic health conditions. While vaccine effectiveness can vary, recent studies show that, on average, flu vaccination reduces the number of flu-related trips to the doctor and can help prevent severe flu illness requiring hospitalization. In people who get vaccinated but still get sick, flu vaccination can reduce the severity and duration of the illness.