There are 2 main types of human flu viruses. Type A and Type B are the flu viruses that are responsible for the illnesses we see during flu season.
The flu can make you feel quite ill for a few days or up to 2 weeks. People can die from complications caused by the flu.
In a typical year, about 8 out of 100 people in the United States get sick with the flu. Flu season can begin as early as October and peak anywhere from late December to early April.
The best way to protect yourself from the flu is to get vaccinated each year as soon as the flu vaccine is available in your community.
Reducing Risk
The best way to prevent the flu is to get the flu vaccine every year.
- The flu vaccine, or flu shot, is given through a needle into the muscle of your arm. Babies are given the flu shot in the upper leg muscle.
- The vaccine contains killed virus. That means it cannot give you the flu.
- It can be used for people age 6 months or older.
Getting Vaccinated
Flu vaccines are available:
Your primary care physician’s office by appointment
Pharmacies in your local community
- Find a pharmacy offering flu shots by zip code at vaccines.gov
For more information about the flu, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov/flu.
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