It's Flu Season

What is the best way to protect yourself and loved ones against the flu?
The single best way: get a yearly, seasonal flu shot. This flu shot is ready now.

Who should get a seasonal or regular flu shot?
Older people, young children and people with certain high-risk medical conditions have a higher threat of complications from the flu. 

October and November are the best times to get your flu shot. Seasonal flu season can last through March or April.  

This year, however, we are preparing for two types of flu.

What are these two types of flu? 

• The first type of flu, one we see every year, is the seasonal or regular flu virus (influenza). Many people have had the flu at some time in their lives and our bodies can build some immunity, but getting a flu shot is still the best way to prevent the flu. 
  
• The second flu virus, and the newest, is called the Swine Flu or the H1N1 flu virus. This flu is so new, no one has built any immunity yet. A regular or seasonal flu shot will not prevent this type, the Swine Flu, but officials expect the first H1N1or Swine Flu vaccine to be ready by October 2009.

Check with your doctor about getting a flu shot today.

It is most important for these people to get their shots:

• Pregnant women
• Children between the ages of 6 months through 24 years of age
• People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
• People with chronic disease such as asthma, diabetes, heart, kidney, liver disease and oncology patients