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Influenza, commonly called the flu, is an infection of the respiratory tract (nose, throat and lungs) that is caused by a virus. Antibiotics will not help to get rid of the disease.
One of the best ways to prevent influenza is through immunization. Everyone 6 months of age and older should receive influenza vaccine.
Vaccine is available free-of-charge for people who are at greatest risk of complications. Vaccine is also available free-of-charge for people capable of transmitting influenza to individuals at high-risk (for example, health care workers) and for healthy children aged two - four years and healthy adults aged 50-64 years.
Next to immunization, the single most important way to prevent influenza is frequent hand washing. Other ways to prevent the spread of influenza include covering your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, throwing away tissues after wiping your nose, avoiding crowds during influenza season, and staying home when you are sick.
For more information about influenza immunization, and how to prevent influenza, visit the links below.
