Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine as soon as vaccine is available this fall. While flu is unpredictable, it’s likely that 2009 H1N1 virus and regular seasonal viruses will cause illness in the U.S. this flu season. The 2012-2013 flu vaccine will protect against three different flu viruses: an A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)-like virus; an A/Victoria/361/2011 (H3N2)-like virus; and a B/Wisconsin/1/2010-like virus.

[ More Info ... 2012-2013 Influenza and You ]

Influenza is a viral infection that attacks your respiratory system - your nose, throat and lungs. Influenza, commonly called the flu, is not the same as the stomach viruses that cause diarrhea and vomiting.

Influenza and its complications can be deadly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that tens of thousands of people in the United States die each year of complications of influenza.

People at higher risk of developing flu complications include:

• Young children
• Older adults
• Pregnant women
• People with weakened immune systems
• People who have chronic illnesses

Your best defense against influenza is to receive an annual vaccination.

[ More Information from the Mayo Clinic ]

[ Health Department Clinics Info ] [ 2009 Novel H1N1 Influenza Info ]