Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to hospitalization or death. The best way to prevent flu is to get a flu vaccine each year.
-Benefits of influenza vaccination include: prevents influenza illness -reduces severity of illness in those who get ill
-reduces risk of -flu-associated hospitalization
-helps reduce flu complications for people who have certain chronic health conditions helps protect mothers during and after pregnancy, and helps protect infants in their first few months of life
-can be lifesaving, especially in children may protect people around you
Everyone ages 6 months and older in the U.S. should get a flu vaccine every year with rare exceptions.
For more than 50 years, hundreds of millions of Americans have safely received seasonal flu vaccines, and extensive research supports its safety. Flu vaccination is especially important for people at risk of developing complications, including adults 65 and older and those with chronic health conditions.