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Influenza (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 seasonal flu is by getting a seasonal flu vaccination each year. Each year in the United States on average, 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu; on average, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related complications, and; about 36,000 people die from flu-related causes. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications. This flu season could be worse. There is a new strain of flu virus spreading worldwide (including Merced County) among people called 2009 H1N1 flu. This virus may cause more illness or more severe illness than usual.

Below are some very effective ways to help protect against getting infected with flu and from severe illness due to becoming infected with the flu (seasonal flu strains as well as the 2009 H1N1 pandemic flu strain).

• Frequent hand-washing or use of alcohol-based hand cleaners;
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, as germs spread this way;
• Avoid close contact with sick people, especially people with influenza-like illnesses;
• Get vaccinated with both seasonal and the H1N1 (pandemic) flu vaccines when they become available.
• To protect others, cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze and cough, and throw used tissues away immediately.

Click on the button below to navigate to the H1N1 Flu page