Immunizations - Influenza (Flu) Information
Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each fall.
EVERY YEAR IN THE UNITED STATES, ON AVERAGE
- 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu;
- more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and;
- about 36,000 people die from flu.
GET VACCINATED
The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccination each fall. There are two types of vaccines:
- The "flu shot" – an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle.
- The nasal-spray flu vaccine – a vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu.
About two weeks after vaccination, antibodies develop that protect against influenza virus infection.
HELP PREVENT THE SPREAD OF INFLUENZA
DPH recommends residents take the following steps to prevent viral illnesses and relieve symptoms should they occur:
- Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash hands frequently and carefully with soap and water, especially after coughing and sneezing. Be sure to clean under fingernails.
- Supervise children when washing hands to assure that they properly use soap and water.
- Stay home if you are sick, to avoid spreading illness to others.
- Consult your physician if you are ill and ask about additional interventions such as anti-viral medications.
See our Educational Resources for Prevention Influenza page for posters and other resources.
Watch the video The Faces of Influenza. This is a video clip of a recent commercial about who needs influenza shots.
WHO IS CONSIDERED "High Risk"?
DPH advises all Delawareans who wish to reduce their risk of catching the Flu to get immunized. The groups listed below are considered to be at particularly high risk of developing complications following the infection and should be immunized.
- all children aged 6 - 18 years;
- all persons aged > 50 years;
- children and adolescents (aged 6 months - 18 years) who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and who therefore might be at risk for experiencing Reye syndrome after influenza virus infection;
- women who will be pregnant during the influenza season;
- adults and children who have chronic pulmonary (including asthma), cardiovascular (except hypertension), renal, hepatic, hematological or metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus);
- adults and children who have immunosuppression (including immunosuppression caused by medications or by HIV);
- adults and children who have any condition (e.g., cognitive dysfunction, spinal cord injuries, seizure disorders, or other neuromuscular disorders) that can compromise respiratory function or the handling of respiratory secretions or that can increase the risk for aspiration; and
- residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities.
WHAT RESIDENTS CAN DO
If you are in the high-risk group:
- Call your private physician to schedule an appointment.
- DPH is sponsoring high-risk vaccination clinics.
- Veterans must be enrolled with the Veterans Administration to receive the vaccine through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Elsmere.
- If you become sick with flu-like symptoms, call your doctor immediately. Your doctor can prescribe medicines that reduce the severity of flu if he or she knows within two days of the onset of flu symptoms.
- Ask your doctor about being vaccinated against pneumonia (pneumococcal vaccine), one of flu’s most common and potentially severe complications.
FOR MORE FLU INFORMATION:
For additional information call the Delaware Immunization Program office, visit www.cdc.gov/flu, or call the CDC public response telephone hotline at 1-888-246-2675 (English), 1-888-246-2857 (Español) or 1-866-874-2646 (TTY).
THE BEST SOURCE OF INFORMATION ABOUT THE FLU VACCINATION IS YOUR PHYSICIAN. WE HAVE PROVIDED ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDED RESOURCES BELOW:
Return to Immunization Program Main Page
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