Influenza (also called “the flu”) is a viral infection in the nose, throat and lungs. About 10% to 20% of Americans get the flu each year. Some people can get very sick from the flu. Each year, about 200,000 people go to a hospital with the flu, and 36,000 people die because of the flu and complications.
The flu may cause fever, cough, sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches and tiredness. Most people feel better after 1 or 2 weeks, but for some people, the flu leads to serious diseases, such as pneumonia. The influenza vaccine can help protect you from getting the flu.
All persons who are 6 months of age or older should get the flu vaccine as long as there are no contraindications.
We provide both the Flumist nasal vaccine and the shot vaccine for the flu. The Flumist is approved for patients age 2-249 who don’t have asthma.
