Seasonal Flu Resource Center Blog
What happened to H1N1?
Last flu season, the H1N1 virus, more commonly known as Swine flu, became the first global influenza pandemic in more than 40 years. While the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the pandemic over, H1N1 remains a threat this flu season and the CDC says that “it is likely that 2009 H1N1 viruses will continue to spread along with seasonal viruses in the U.S. during the 2010-2011 flu season.” [Read More]
Mind Your Manners this Flu Season & Follow ‘Flu Etiquette’
With the impending flu season right around the corner, there are simple steps you can take to keep you and your family healthy this flu season. We blogged last week about high-risk groups as highlighted by the CDC, including the recommendation that everyone six months of age and older receive a flu shot for the 2010—2011 flu season. The flu shot is the most effective way to protect yourself against flu, but there are also other steps you can take in conjunction with getting vaccinated that offer additional protection against flu. To guard yourself from an unpredictable flu season, Maxim Health Systems recommends practicing these daily steps to minimize your, and your family’s, chances of catching or spreading the flu. [Read More]
Top 10 Places You Can Catch the Flu
Being prepared is the best line of defense when fighting the flu. Part of being prepared is being aware of the common places where you can come into contact with the flu virus. Places like work keyboards, schools, and playgrounds come top of mind, but it is always good to know other ways we can contract the flu virus. Highlighthealth.com has a list of the top 10 places cold and flu germs hide on its blog. [Read More]
Who Should Get the 2010 Flu Vaccine?
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) encourages anyone above the age of six months to receive the vaccine for flu. Unlike last year, this year’s seasonal influenza vaccine contains the H1N1 (swine flu) strain, eliminating the need to receive a second immunization to receive complete protection. Every flu season is different, which is why it is important to get vaccinated every year. Even those who received the H1N1 vaccine in 2009 should receive a 2010 seasonal flu shot. [Read More]
Swine Flu Pandemic Declared Over by World Health Organization
This week marks an exciting moment as the World Health Organization announced that the swine flu pandemic that has officially been declared over. However, it should be noted that while not at pandemic levels, the H1N1 virus is not gone and the virus itself will continue to circulate into the 2010-11 influenza season. [Read More]
What You Need to Know for the 2010 Flu Season
In preparation for the upcoming 2010-2011 flu season, it is important to arm yourself with the most accurate and up-to-date flu news and resources to help you and your loved ones stay healthy.
An extensive amount of information and at times conflicting messages exist both online and in the media about influenza. Read on to learn the facts about some of the most common flu questions, including information about this year’s flu vaccine, H1N1 (Swine Flu), who should receive a vaccine, and how the flu can affect those you work with on a daily basis. [Read More]
August is National Immunization Awareness Month!
To raise awareness about immunizations against preventable diseases, August is recognized as National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). Immunization is important because it protects you from serious, life-threatening infections. Being aware of the vaccines that are recommended for infants, children, adolescents, adults, and seniors is vital to protection from preventable disease. Influenza, Pneumonia, Tetanus, and Hepatitis [...]
San Francisco City Agencies and Businesses Promote “H1N1 Swine Flu Vaccine & Education Week”
If you are a San Francisco resident or worker, Mayor Newsom and a number of other agencies and businesses who care about the public’s health want everyone to get a dose of the vaccine during what the Mayor has declared as “H1N1 Swine Flu Vaccine & Education Week, January 25-29.”
National Influenza Vaccination Week
National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) is a national observance that was established to highlight the importance of continuing influenza vaccination, as well as fostering greater use of flu vaccine after the holiday season into January and beyond. Every year, certain days of NIVW are designated to highlight the importance for different groups like health care workers and children to get vaccinated. [Read More]
Americans encouraged to get H1N1 vaccine during National Influenza Vaccination Week
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has designated the week of January 10 through 16 as National Influenza Vaccination Week, in an effort to raise awareness about the importance of the flu vaccine. With flu experts warning that the U.S. should prepare for a possible third wave of H1N1 flu, it is crucial that Americans take the opportunity to protect themselves and their loved ones from this dangerous illness and receive the H1N1 vaccine while supply is available. [Read More]