U.S. could experience another wave of flu activity!

CDC reports that for the week of February 7 – February 13, 2010, flu activity in the United States was relatively low, with most flu continuing to be caused by 2009 H1N1. Flu activity, caused by either 2009 H1N1 or viruses, may rise and fall, but is expected to continue for weeks. It’s possible that the United States could experience another wave of flu activity, or more likely, localized outbreaks of 2009 H1N1 in communities that have been relatively unaffected by illness thus far, or where 2009 H1N1 vaccination rates may have been lower.

Vaccination: CDC recommends influenza vaccination as the first and most important step in protecting against the flu. CDC is encouraging anyone who wants to protect themselves against 2009 H1N1 to get vaccinated, including people 65 years and older. While less likely to get sick with 2009 H1N1 than younger people, people 65 and older are at high risk of serious complications if they do become ill. Vaccination of people with certain health conditions also is important because they are at higher risk of serious flu-related complications.
Health conditions that increase the risk of being hospitalized from 2009 H1N1 include lung disease like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, heart, or neurological disease, also pregnancy.

Get vaccinated against seasonal and 2009 H1N1 flu. Vaccination is the best protection we have against flu. CDC is now encouraging everyone to get vaccinated against 2009 H1N1. The vaccines to protect against 2009 H1N1 are widely available. Supplies of seasonal flu vaccine may be limited.

Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.

Take everyday actions to stay healthy.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread that way.
Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
Stay informed. This website will be updated regularly as information becomes available.
Call 1-800-CDC-INFO for more information.