Influenza

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Symptoms can include chills, fever, coughing, muscle aches, sore throat, and general weakness or fatigue.

Taking the following measures can help you prevent contracting and spreading the flu:

Get a flu vaccine

The vaccine is a single shot that protects against both seasonal flu and H1N1

Practice good hand hygiene

Wash frequently with warm water and soap or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer

Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue

This prevents spreading the flu virus to others

Flu.gov

Flu.gov provides comprehensive government-wide information on pandemic influenza and avian influenza for the general public, health and emergency preparedness professionals, policy makers, government and business leaders, school systems, and local communities.

MassPro

MassPro offers a public flu clinic finder, which allows you to locate a flu clinic in your area.  For over 20 years, Masspro has been an independent, objective voice for improving patient care in Massachusetts, and we continue to serve as a facilitator, leader, and key participant in performance improvement.