Families/Individuals

Overview

It is important to know about the different flu viruses currently in circulation, their risks, and what you can do to protect yourself and the people you care for. There are everyday steps you and your loved ones can take to help protect yourselves against infection from flu viruses, and steps you should take if you become infected.

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About the Flu

Flu refers to illnesses caused by a number of different influenza viruses. Flu can cause a range of symptoms and effects, from mild to lethal. Two strains of flu, seasonal flu and the H1N1 (Swine) flu, are currently circulating in the United States. Most healthy people recover from the flu without problems, but certain people are at high risk for serious complications. A third, highly lethal H5N1 (Bird) flu is being closely tracked overseas. Learn more.

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Vaccination

Getting vaccinated is the best way to avoid getting either the seasonal or the H1N1 flu. The two flus require separate vaccinations. Learn more about the H1N1 Flu Vaccine effort and Seasonal Flu Vaccine information (Franklin County Board of Health ).

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Prevention & Treatment

Washing your hands often and practicing good hygiene are two important steps to prevention. Antiviral medications may be used for prevention and treatment. Learn more.

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Parents (and Expecting Parents)

Vaccinating children is a priority. Children should be given both the seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccines. Pregnant women should receive both the seasonal and H1N1 vaccine because they are at increased risk. Find information here about protecting and caring for your unborn, newborn and infant children as well as for yourself. Learn more.

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Seniors

What should you know and do this flu season if you are 65 years and older? Learn more (CDC ).

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Caregivers

There are steps you can take to avoid catching or spreading the flu while taking care of a sick person in your home. Flu.gov offers information () and the CDC provides additional resources ().

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Blind & Visually Impaired

For people who are blind or visually impaired, audio resources are available.

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Deaf & Hearing Impaired

For people who are deaf or hearing impaired, there are American Sign Language resources in both video format and captions.

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People with Health Conditions

People with certain health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, cancer, HIV/AIDS, and heart or kidney disease may face special medical challenges during flu season. Learn more.

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Travelers

There are currently no flu-based travel restrictions, but it is wise to know conditions where you are traveling, how to protect against getting the flu and what to do if you become sick during or after travel. Learn more.

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