PROTECT YOURSELF
AND OTHERS
- Get a flu shot
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
- Stay home if you get sick.
Influenza: Don't Let It Catch You
Influenza is a contagious, upper-respiratory disease caused by many different strains of influenza viruses. While many people use the imprecise term “flu” to describe 24- or 48-hour bouts of illness, real influenza can interfere with normal daily activities for as long as a week.
Influenza is not a minor inconvenience. Every year, as many as 200,000 Americans are hospitalized and as many as 36,000 die of influenza or complications associated with it.
Children under age 1, people 65 or older, and people suffering from underlying medical conditions are at a higher risk of serious complications.
Influenza viruses spread from person to person primarily through the coughing and sneezing of infected persons.
Symptoms- Fever (usually high)
- Sore throat
- Dry cough
- Extreme fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle aches
If you have questions about influenza, please contact your personal health-care provider or your local health department or check out the resources listed on this page. Or contact the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services Information Center.
Page last updated: 05/20/09
