Flu resources for 2014-2015 | King County Public Health

Published 11:12 pm Sunday, December 21, 2014

Influenza spreads readily from person to person in schools, workplaces and homes.

Everyone 6 months of age and older should get an annual flu vaccine to prevent sickness, healthcare visits, hospitalizations, and deaths from influenza.

If you haven’t already been vaccinated, it isn’t too late! Protection lasts throughout the flu season, which usually peaks in January or February and continues into the spring. Some children and adults may be eligible to receive nasal spray flu vaccine. People with egg allergy may also be eligible to receive flu vaccine. Talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist about which flu vaccine is recommended for you.

Flu vaccine provides protection against three or four strains of influenza, depending on the formulation you receive. This flu season may be worse than others because the dominant circulating flu strain typically causes a more severe illness leading to more hospitalizations. Although so far the vaccine does not appear to be closely matched to the dominant circulating strain, the vaccine can still offer some protection against severe illness.

If you are having flu-like symptoms, especially if they are severe or if you are at higher risk for complications, contact your healthcare provider right away to see if antiviral medication is recommended.