Seasonal Influenza (Flu)
Seasonal flu can cause symptoms similar to the common cold, but flu is a much more serious illness. Colds tend to develop gradually while the flu tends to start very suddenly. Colds generally do not result in the serious health problems that can be seen with flu--such as pneumonia, bacterial infections, hospitalizations or death.
Seasonal flu is caused by different flu viruses than H1N1 Influenza which first appeared in the U.S. in April 2009. Seasonal flu occurs every year, starting in the fall and lasting through spring. Certain people are at "high risk" of serious complications from seasonal influenza. This includes people 65 years and older, children younger than five years old, pregnant women, and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions.
Get a flu shot or flu spray vaccination every year!
Because flu viruses change each year, it is important that you receive a flu vaccine every year. It takes about two weeks after vaccination to develop protection against the flu. The best time to get vaccinated is early fall through December. But you can still get a flu shot or the flu spray vaccine through March and beyond. Flu season usually peaks in February but continues through May. Any protection against the flu is better than no protection!