Flu Information

Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by several types and subtypes of viruses. One or more virus strains cause a surge in flu nearly every year. The viruses undergo continuous genetic changes, so people don’t achieve permanent immunity, and vaccines must be updated annually to combat the anticipated predominant strains. New strains have made a lot of news lately, and terms may need clarification:

Seasonal flu -- The illness that strikes every “flu season,” infecting 5%–20% of the U.S. population. Flu-related complications require 200,000 hospitalizations annually and kill 36,000 people on average.
Novel H1N1 flu -- This new (“novel”) influenza virus, initially called “swine flu,” was first detected in the United States in April 2009. It spread quickly around the world and fit the World Health Organization (WHO) definition of a pandemic by mid-June.
Navy Medicine beneficiaries should contact their local primary care provider team to find out what the schedule is to provide vaccines locally.

How H1N1/Flu Spreads

H1N1/Flu Prevention, Including Vaccination

H1N1/Flu Symptoms and Treatment

The most current and authoritative information on flu is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For travelers and those stationed abroad, the World Health Organization and the U.S. Department of State are important sources of information.

Links to Other Resources