Influenza Basics

Getting the flu feels miserable, and can sometimes make you dangerously sick. Find out how to protect yourself and those around you, as well as how to identify the flu, and what you should do if you get sick.

  • Prevent the Flu: Videos
    Video series featuring the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Ed Ehlinger, interviewing Minnesotans about influenza and flu shots.

  • Influenza (Flu)
    Information for the general public about influenza and influenza vaccine.

  • Influenza (Flu) Information for Parents
    Fact sheet about influenza and children, including prevention, symptoms and treatment.

  • Pregnant? Get a Flu Shot
    Information for pregnant women about influenza and influenza vaccine.

  • Self-Screening Checklist for FluMist
    If you are healthy and between the ages of 5 and 49, the FluMist nasal vaccine may be right for you.

  • Key Facts About Influenza and the Influenza Vaccine
    CDC: Information on flu symptoms, prevention, complications, and who should get the flu shot or FluMist this year. Attention: Non-MDH link

  • Religious Leaders' Approval of Use of Vaccines containing Porcine Gelatin
    Observant Muslims and Jews have expressed concerns about pork gelatin in some vaccines, including a couple influenza products. Learn more about which vaccines include gelatin and read a statement by Muslim and Jewish scholars saying that these vaccines are acceptable. Attention: Non-MDH link

  • Preventing the Flu
    CDC: Influenza vaccination, protecting yourself from flu germs, and antiviral treatment. Attention: Non-MDH link

  • Faces of Influenza
    The American Lung Association has collected stories from actual people, some famous, about the importance of getting flu shots. Attention: Non-MDH link

  • Cover Your Cough
    Stop the spread of germs that make you and others sick. Properly covering your cough will help you keep from spreading influenza.

  • Hand Hygiene
    Proper hand washing significantly reduces the spread of the diseases like flu and the common cold.

Updated Wednesday, 07-Dec-2011 15:10:35 CST