The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each fall.
Every year in the United States, on average: 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu; more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and; about 36,000 people die from flu.
Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications.
Symptoms of flu: fever (usually high), headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches.
Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur but are more common in children than adults.
For more information, contact Dallas County Health and Human Services at
(214) 819-2004 or by e-mail to DCHHSInfo@dallascounty.org
Just For Kids:
Cover That Cough Game
Be A Germ Stopper
Scrub Club
Germ Fighter Coloring Book
Hand Washing For Kids
Official Reports:
Influenza Surveillance Report
Other Useful links:
Seasonal Influenza Website Links United States of Health and Human Services
American Lung Association
Centers of Disease Control and Prevention
Department of Health and Human Services Pandemic Influenza Website
Texas Department of State Heath Services
