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2009 Flu Information • Seasonal Flu

Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It spreads from person-to-person and can cause mild to severe illness; and in some cases can lead to death.

Flu symptoms may include fever, coughing, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, body aches, chills and fatigue. Most healthy people recover from the flu without problems, but certain people are at high risk for serious complications.

Annual outbreaks of the seasonal flu usually occur during the late fall through early spring. Most people have natural immunity, and a seasonal flu vaccine is available. In a typical year, approximately 5 to 20 percent of the population gets the seasonal flu and approximately 36,000 flu-related deaths are reported each year.

The best protection against the flu virus is the flu shot. To help you and your family stay healthy this season, Northwest Community Hospital’s Healthy Aging/Senior Services is hosting flu shot clinics in your community. For a schedule of the upcoming flu clinics, click here. The flu shot is free for those who present their card for Medicare B coverage or Railroad Retirement Insurance. All others will be charged $20.00. Cash or checks are accepted.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends vaccination for seasonal influenza for people 50 years and older, children 6 months and older; pregnant women and people with high risk medical conditions. Children under 9 require a physician's order stating they may receive the flu shot and indicating whether they previously had a flu injection.

For the latest flu information, call the Northwest Community Hospital Community Flu Shot Hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 847.618.4FLU (4358).

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services offers comprehensive, up-to-date information on the web at www.flu.gov. Here you'll find resources including:

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Last Updated 10/12/2009