Public Health

Seasonal Flu Information

Flu season is October to April
Be prepared! Get vaccinated!

What is seasonal flu?

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness and can lead to hospitalization and even death. Every year an average of 450 Oregonians die because of influenza. Well-known for its fever, body-aches and cough, the flu virus does not respond to antibiotics.

2012-2013 Vaccine Information

• Protects against three different flu viruses, including the H1N1 (swine) flu virus, so only one vaccine is needed for most people.
• For full protection, children younger than 9 years of age who receive a flu vaccination for the first time will need two doses of vaccine given at least four weeks apart.
• The nasal spray flu vaccine is an option for healthy children who are at least 2 years old and healthy adults up to age 50.
• People who get vaccinated against seasonal flu can expect to have immuity within two weeks of vaccination.  The protection you get from the vaccine will continue throughout the flu season.

For more information on the 2012-2013 vaccine, click here

Who should get vaccinated?

Getting a flu shot is your best defense against several flu viruses.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone six months and older get their annual flu vaccine as the best defense against influenza.

• Adults 65 years of age and older remain the group hardest hit by infulenza viruses.
• Since babies under six months are too young to get a flu shot, all members of their households including daycare providers should get vaccinated.  This protects the infants by preventing those around them from getting ill.
• People with certain health conditions (asthma, diabetes, heart disease, suppressed immune system and other health issues) are also at high-risk for pneumonia and other potentially life-threatening complications following a bout with the flu.

Fluzone High-Dose Flu Vaccine

Recommended for people over 65 years of age

As people age, their immune system's function tends to decrease.  This makes older adults not only more susceptible to infections, but less responsive to the standard-dose flue vaccination. The CDC'S Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has included the Fluzone High-Dose vaccine, which is designed to generate a stronger immune response.  This is a payable benefit through Medicare Part B.  For additional information, contact your health care provider.

More information - Flu Vaccine Types

• Inactivated Vaccine (Shot) [CDC]
• Live, Attenuated Vaccine (Nasal Spray) [CDC]
• Questions & Answers about FluMist® [CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL & PREVENTION]

More Information – 2011-2012 Flu Season [CDC]

Flu Prevention

In addition to getting vaccinated, you can help protect yourself against the flu by following these simple steps:

1. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or sanitizer.
2. Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, not your bare hand.
3. Stay at home when you are sick, keep sick children home, and stay home until free from fever at least 24 hours(without the use offever-reducing medicine).

Appointments for children, ages 6 months - 18 years for Seasonal Flu Vaccinations are available at the following Linn County Health Service locations:

State of Oregon Updates

The Oregon Public Health website http://www.flu.oregon.gov/ is updated regularly to provide information such as how to identify swine flu, prevent its spread as well as materials that employers, medical providers, schools, parents and others may use.

Oregon Information Line

Oregon's flu hotline number is: 1-800-978-3040.

Spanish

• Español - Planifique y prepárese