Seasonal influenza, or "the flu," is
caused by the predictable, annual occurrence of the influenza virus
every winter. Seasonal flu infects the nose, throat, and lungs and
is spread in droplets caused by coughing and sneezing. Sometimes
people become infected by touching something with flu viruses on
it and then touching their mouth, nose or eyes. Usually people have
some immunity to seasonal flu built up from previous exposure.
Healthy adults are usually not at risk for
serious complications and recover from seasonal flu within a week
or so. People who are very old or very young, or who have compromised
immune systems are at increased risk.
You can protect yourself from seasonal
flu by:
Getting the annual flu vaccine
Practicing good hand hygiene, and by
Staying away from people who are sick.
For more information on where to get a flu
vaccine, call the immunization information line at (240) 777-1050.
Seniors
