The Flu

Did you know that more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications each year in the U.S. and anywhere from 3,000 to 49,000 people die? Influenza (more commonly known as the flu) is often times looked at as a not-so-serious virus. However, that is far from the truth.

While the flu can make anyone sick, much of the U.S. population is at high risk from serious flu complications either because of their age or because they have a medical condition like asthma, diabetes (type 1 and 2), heart conditions, or because they are pregnant. All children younger than 5-years-old and all adults 65-years-old and older are also at increased risk of severe illness from influenza. In the U.S. each year an average of 20,000 children younger than 5 years old are hospitalized because of flu complications.

Flu viruses are constantly changing. Each flu season, different flu viruses can spread, and they can affect people differently based on their body’s ability to fight infection. Even healthy children and adults can get very sick from the flu and spread it to family and friends. In the United States, thousands of healthy adults and children have to visit the doctor or are hospitalized from flu complications each year. Flu vaccination can protect you and your family from the flu and its complications.

CDC recommends a three step approach to fighting flu: vaccination, everyday preventive actions and the correct use of antiviral drugs that your doctor recommends. Getting a flu vaccine is easy, and it is the single best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from flu.

InfluenceNevada.org is your one-stop-shop to receive the latest flu updates, resources and download Nevada clinic details and information. We also invite you to join the conversation by subscribing to the InFLUence Others: Get Vaccinated blog, follow InFLUenceNV on Twitter and become a fan of Nevada Immunization Coalitions Facebook.

Flu Resources and Information

Flu Clinics in Nevada - Where to Get a Flu Shot