Influenza, also know as the flu, is a highly contagious viral respiratory tract infection. It is estimated that each year, the flu affects 10-20% of the United States population.

Symptoms of the flu include abrupt onset of fever, muscle aches, sore throat, a nonproductive cough, headache, and extreme fatigue. You can take preventive measures to avoid the flu by: being diligent about hand washing; disinfecting shared surfaces like phones, door knobs and keyboards; limiting contact with anyone infected with the flu; and especially by getting the influenza vaccine.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting the flu shot every year, between September and mid-November, before the flu season hits (usually December to April). The flu shot takes one to two weeks to become effective.

View the Videos about the Flu
and the Importance of Handwashing: 

To learn more about the symptoms and treatment of the flu, view the video.

To learn more about how to prevent the spread of flu through handwashing, view the video.