Flu Season is Back!

South Texas College is committed to getting you the facts about Seasonal Influenza (Flu) and showing you where to get more information

What is Influenza (also called Flu)?

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. 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.

Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications.

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Good Health Habits for Preventing the Flu

1. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
2. Stay home when you are sick.
3. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
4. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
6. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food

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Preventing the Flu: Get Vaccinated

	A note about vaccines Sometimes the amount of a vaccine available cannot keep up with the number of people who need it.

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 flu shot is approved for use in people 6 months of age and older, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions.
• The nasal-spray flu vaccine – a vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu (sometimes called LAIV for “Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine”). LAIV is approved for use in healthy people 5 years to 49 years of age who are not pregnant.

Some people should not be vaccinated so please consult a physician before getting a flu shot.

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Written by STC TaskForce.

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Created: 10/06