Flu Facts:

*Each year approximately 226,000 Americans are hospitalized with commplications from influenza and an average of 36,000 people die from the virus and its complications.http://www.facesofinfluenza.org/home.php

*An annual flu shot won't protect you specifically from avian influenza (bird flu), but it will reduce the risk of simultaneous infection with human and bird flu viruses.

*Getting a flu shot will reduce the risk of having seasonal flu.

*You need annual flu protection because the vaccine changes from year to year.

*A flu shot is between 70-90% effective in warding off illness, depending on the length and intensity of a given flu season and your overall health.

*The flu vaccine comes in two forms: 1) shot, or 2) nasal spray.

*Get a pneumonia shot to prevent secondary infection if you are over the age of 65 or have a chronic illness such as diabetes or asthma.

(For specific guidelines, talk to your health care provider or call the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Hotline at 1-800-232-4636).

MAKE SURE THAT YOUR FAMILY'S IMMUNIZATIONS ARE UP-TO-DATE