Influenza Fact Sheets and Resources
Influenza, also called "the flu", is caused by a virus that affects the nose, throat, airways, and lungs. Influenza A and/or B typically circulates in the United States from the beginning of October through the middle of May. One of the best ways to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.
The 2019-2020 influenza vaccines will be available in two formulations: trivalent or quadrivalent. Trivalent vaccines protect against the influenza A/Brisbane/02/2018 (H1N1)pdm09-like, influenza A/Kansas/14/2017 (H3N2)-like, and influenza B/Colorado/06/2017-like (Victoria lineage) virus. In addition to the three components in the trivalent vaccine, the quadrivalent vaccine also contains influenza B/Phuket/3073/2013-like (B/Yamagata lineage) virus. There are several different types of vaccines available this year, click here to view. For more information on where you can get your influenza vaccine, please visit the Vaccine Finder or you may contact your local county health department.
How do I prevent the spread of influenza?
Here are the key steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from influenza and other respiratory illnesses this cold and flu season.
- Stay home from work, school, and other public places if you are ill;
- Make “respiratory hygiene” a habit, including use of tissues to cover
coughs and sneezes, then disposing of them and performing hand
hygiene immediately. When tissues are not readily available, use your sleeve, never your hands; - Frequent hand hygiene using soap and water, or alcohol-based products
such as hand gels when hands are not visibly soiled; and - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone six months of age and older receive an influenza vaccine each year to protect against influenza. For more information about influenza vaccine click here.
Fact Sheets and Guidelines:
Flu Prevention Posters:
Cover Your Cough (CDC)
Cubra Su Tos - Español (CDC)
Don't Let the Flu Get You (OSDH)
No Deje Que le dé la Gripe (OSDH)
Hand Hygiene Posters:
Hand Washing Steps
Como Lavar Sus Manos
External Influenza Resources:
