Protecting, Preparing, and Caring - for Yourself and Others

Basic Information about Flu

Flu is a disease of the body's breathing system, including the nose, throat and lungs. The most common symptoms are fever, cough, and sore throat. Symptoms last from a few days to a week or more.

• Flu Facts: What You Need to Know
  These colorful posters and brochures detail the four best ways to stay healthy this flu season by lowering your chances of getting or spreading the flu.
  • Order Materials from the Massachusetts Health Promotion Clearinghouse
• Colds vs. Flu Comparison - August 2011 (PDF) 
• Key Facts About Flu and Flu Vaccine (CDC)

Staying Healthy

Everyone 6 months of age and older should be vaccinated for flu. The only exceptions are people with a severe allergy to eggs or to a vaccine component. Washing your hands often, and coughing and sneezing into a tissue or into the inside your elbow, will also help keep you and others healthy.

• Information about the Flu Shot (VIS) (PDF)
• Information about Flu Vaccine Sprayed in the Nose
• Handwashing
• Clean Hands Save Lives! - CDC

If You Get Sick or Think You Are Sick

• Fever Fact Sheets (PDF) 
• Flu: What You Can Do - Caring for People at Home
  Two kinds of booklets (one is simple and basic and the other is more detailed) with useful instructions about taking care of people with the flu at home can be viewed online or ordered. It is free and is available in numerous languages.

Flu: Caring for People at Home

 

For up-to-date flu information and where to find a flu shot, please call the MDPH Information Line toll free at (866) 627-7968.
 

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This information is provided by within the Department of Public Health.