FLU.GOV - Know what to do about the flu
 - Steps you can take to protect yourself from the flu

Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent seasonal flu is by getting a seasonal flu vaccination each year.  Each year in the United States... (more)

Last year, the 2009 H1N1 virus emerged after production began on the seasonal influenza vaccine.  As a result, two separate vaccines were needed to protect against seasonal flu and the 2009 H1N1 pandemic flu virus.  However, this year only one vaccine is necessary. For the upcoming 2010-2011 influenza season, the 2009 H1N1 strain is included in the influenza vaccine.

H5N1 (known as Bird or Avian Flu) – H5N1 is an influenza A virus subtype that is highly contagious among birds. Rare human infections with the H5N1 (Bird) flu virus have occurred. The majority of confirmed cases have occurred in Asia, Africa, the Pacific, Europe and the Near East. Currently, the United States has no confirmed human H5N1 (Bird) flu infections, but H5N1 (Bird) flu remains a serious concern with the potential to cause a deadly pandemic.

Pandemic Influenza - A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. A flu pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus emerges for which people have little or no immunity, and for which there is no vaccine. The disease spreads easily person-to-person, causes serious illness, and can sweep across the country and around the world in very short time.

For more information, please see:

• Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine
• DCDOH Flu Clinic Schedule
• What You Can Do About Flu (.pdf)
• Seasonal & H1N1 Flu - Precautions, Pevention, Vaccinations Information (.pdf) 
• Cover your Cough poster (.pdf)
• Germstopper poster (.pdf)
• Public Health Alerts, Updates & Advisories 
• Video by Public Health - Seattle & King County - "Stop Germs, Stay Healthy!"