Influenza (The Flu)

Current Flu Situation in Chicago

Vote Healthy and Get a Flu Shot

Free influenza vaccines are available at a CDPH Fast-Track Immunization clinics.

Click here to find a nearby retail pharmacy or private clinic to administer your influenza vaccine.

Plus….

Wash your hands..Cover your cough..and when you are sick…stay home.

Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent the flu.

Take Action to Prevent Influenza Virus Spread Between People. The risk of infection and spread of influenza viruses between people can be reduced by taking a combination of actions.  CDPH recommends you take everyday preventive actions, including:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. (Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.)
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If soap and water are not available, an alcohol-based hand rub may be used.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you are sick, stay home from work or school until your illness is over.

If you have flu symptoms, follow CDPH regular recommendations for seeking treatment for influenza.

• If you have symptoms of flu and are very sick or worried about your illness contact your health care provider.
• Certain people are at greater risk of serious flu-related complications (including young children, elderly persons, pregnant women and people with certain long-term medical conditions) and this is true both for seasonal flu and novel flu virus infections. (A full list of people at higher risk of flu related complications is available at People at High Risk of Developing Flu-Related Complications.)
• If these people develop influenza-like illnesses, it’s best for them to contact their doctors as soon as possible.
• Your doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs that can treat the flu. These drugs work better for treatment the sooner they are started. If you are prescribed antiviral drugs by your doctor, you should finish all of the medication, according to your doctor’s instructions.
• Also, whenever you have flu symptoms and are seeing a health care provider, always remember to tell them if you have asthma, diabetes, heart disease, neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions, are pregnant, or are older than 65 or younger than 5 years. These conditions and age factors put you at high risk of serious complications if you have the flu.
• Flu signs and symptoms usually include fever and respiratory symptoms, such as cough and runny nose, and possibly other symptoms, such as body aches, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Health care providers will determine whether influenza testing and possible treatment are needed.
• There are influenza antiviral drugs that can be used to treat infection. More information about influenza antiviral drugs is available at Treatment (Antiviral Drugs).

For more helpful advice and a national perspective on preparations for the 2012-2013 flu season, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as www.flu.gov

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Supporting Information

• Antiviral Drugs and the Flu
• Current Flu Situation in Chicago