What is seasonal flu?
Seasonal flu (influenza or simply "the flu") is a severe respiratory illness which assaults Florida between October and March. Well-known for its fever, body-aches and cough, the flu virus does not respond to antibiotics. Everyone over the age of six months can ward off this serious disease with a simple flu shot at the beginning of each flu season.

• H1N1 (Swine) Flu
  H1N1 flu is different from seasonal flu in some ways.  Learn more here.

Flu Prevention
In addition to getting a vaccination (flu shot), you can help protect yourself against the flu by following these simple steps:

1. Wash your hands frequently with soap or sanitizer.
2. Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue, not your bare hand. 
3. Stay at home when you are sick.  Keep sick children home.  Stay home until free from fever at least 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medicine).

• More information on Flu Prevention
  Including demonstration videos on proper handwashing and other healthy habits.

Seasonal Flu Shots: General Information

While the H1N1 (swine) flu virus has been a recent concern, it is important to remember the risks posed by seasonal flu. Health officials say that getting vaccinated is your best defense against the seasonal flu. Everyone six months and older is urged to get their seasonal flu vaccine.

To protect babies under six months of age who are too young for a flu shot, all members of their households need to be vaccinated. The seasonal flu vaccine protects against three different viruses which change every year. People who get vaccinated against seasonal flu can expect to have immunity within two weeks of vaccination. Health officials say that the protection you get from the vaccine will continue throughout the flu season. For the most part, seasonal flu affects the very young and the elderly. People with certain health conditions (asthma, diabetes, heart disease, etc., suppressed immune system) are also at high risk for serious complications from seasonal influenza.

Will the seasonal flu shot protect against H1N1 (swine) flu?
No. The H1N1 flu virus emerged too late to be included in this year's seasonal flu shot.  Those seeking protection from the H1N1 flu should get the separate H1N1 flu vaccine.

What is Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine (FluMist®)?

• Questions & Answers about FluMist® [Centers for Disease Control & Prevention]