What You Need to Know to Prevent the Spread of Influenza

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Certain populations are at high risk of serious complications from flu, including babies and young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health problems like asthma, heart disease and diabetes, and people 65 years and older.

Here are some things you can do to help protect yourself and others:

1. Get yourself and your family vaccinated.

• Everyone six months or older should have a flu shot. The flu shot does not and cannot cause flu illness despite what some people think.
• If you are pregnant or considering pregnancy, please get a flu shot to reduce the risk of flu illness in your baby.

2. Take preventive actions:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes.
• Avoid close contact with those who have cold symptoms.

Remember, the best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year.