Influenza (flu) is a highly contagious viral infection of the nose, throat, and lungs that occurs most often in the late fall, winter, and early spring in the US.
Flu is a serious infection that affects between 5-20% of the US population annually. Each year in the US, millions of people get sick, hundreds of thousands are hospitalized, and thousands to tens of thousands die from flu and related complications.
Flu can impact people of all ages.
Flu Symptoms
Common symptoms include fever (101ºF-102ºF), muscle/body aches, chills, tiredness, with sudden onset. Other symptoms may include a cough and/or sore throat and a runny or stuffy nose. Flu frequently causes people to miss school and work, and in some cases, may cause serious complications such as pneumonia.
Flu Prevention
The best way to prevent flu is to receive an influenza vaccination every year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone age 6 months and older get vaccinated annually. The best time to get vaccinated is in the early fall, as soon as vaccines is available. However, vaccination throughout the flu season is still beneficial. To find locations where vaccines are available by zip code, visit https://vaccinefinder.org/.
Featured Resources
Traveling Flu Bug
National Survey on College Students & Flu
Additional Resources
Flu Alert: The Impact of Flu on Adults 65+
23-second video public service announcement on the burden of influenza (flu) in adults age 65 years and older and the importance of getting vaccinated
More Flu Resources
Flu resources from A to Z from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) and partners
Healthcare Professionals and Influenza Vaccination
Sharable fact sheet outlining the benefits of influenza immunization of healthcare professionals
Myths and Facts About Flu and Children
Get the facts about flu and children
Freddie the Flu Detective
Public service announcement (:30 animated video) on how to detect, prevent, and treat the flu from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases
Pregnancy and Influenza Vaccine
Getting vaccinated is the best and safest way for pregnant women to protect their babies and themselves from flu
Who Should Be Vaccinated Against Flu?
Everyone age 6 months or older should receive an annual flu vaccine.
Frequently Asked Questions About Flu and Children
Answers to parents’ questions about flu and flu vaccine
Care About Older Adults? Care About Flu!
NFID public service announcement (:30 animated video) on the impact of flu on adults age 65 years and older
Don’t Be A Dreaded Spreader
NFID public service announcement (:30 animated video) providing information on how to take 3 steps to #FightFlu
