2007-2008 Flu Facts

• Millions of Americans get influenza each year
• Each year in the U.S. approximately 114,000 people are hospitalized and an average of 36,000 die as a result of the flu
• Flu is the #1 cause of work loss from acute illness—the average infected adult looses 3 days of work, 2 ½of those days are spent confined to bed
• Flu vaccine is made from inactivated viruses—You can not get influenza form the flu shot
• Health care workers or anyone else in close contact with people at risk for flu
• People 65 years of age and older
• Residents of long term care facilities housing those with chronic medical conditions
• People who have long-term health problems with heart disease, lung disease, asthma, kidney disease, metabolic disease such as diabetes, anemia and other blood disorders, certain muscle or nerve disorders
• People with weakened immune system due to HIV/AIDS, long-term steroid treatment or cancer treatment with x-rays or drugs
• Women who will be pregnant during flu season
• All children 6-59 months of age
• Household contacts and out-of-home caretakers of children 0-59 months of age

Questions? Please call 1-800-SCRIPPS.

Not sure if you are at risk? Check http://www.cdc.gov