HEALTH DEPARTMENT
HAMPSHIRE COUNTY
Influenza Information
The following Information is taken fromWest Virginia Influenza "Flu" Resource Center:
Influenza (also known as the flu) is a respiratory illness caused by flu viruses that can spread easily from person to person. Influenza can cause mild to severe illness. Symptoms usually are fever and cough or sore throat, and may also include headache, extreme tiredness, runny or stuffy nose, or muscle aches. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can also occur, especially in children.
What can you do? Get vaccinated! Everybody age 6 months and older should get influenza vaccine every year. It is an inactivated (‘flu shot’): This flu vaccine can be given by injection to anyone aged 6 months or older.
Please read the Vaccine Information Statement on Inactivated Flu vaccine. The VIS also includes information as to who should not be vaccinated.
Most people need only one dose for protection. Some children aged 6 months through 8 years will need two doses four weeks apart for full protection this year. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider for more information.