​Influenza (commonly referred to as the flu) is a highly contagious illness that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. Certain populations, such as the elderly, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for influenza complications. Influenza can cause mild to severe illness, and can potentially lead to hospitalization or death. The most effective way to prevent influenza is to get an influenza vaccine each year.¹

Proper education on influenza transmission is one of the core elements in preventing an influenza pandemic. TRAIN, the nation’s premier learning management network for professionals and volunteers who protect the public’s health, offers local, state, and national trainings that public health professionals can utilize in preventing influenza transmission. Trainings available that address the transmission of influenza include but are not limited to:

• ABC's of Pandemic Influenza
• Preparing for an Influenza Pandemic: Focus on Local Preparedness
• Clean Hands Help Prevent the Flu
• Las manos limpias ayudan a prevenir la influenza (Clean Hands Help Prevent the Flu) 
• EM 180: Planning and Response to a Pandemic Influenza for Health Care Workers 
• Pandemic Influenza: Could History Repeat Itself?

In addition, Public Health Foundation’s (PHF) Online Bookstore has resources that can assist state, tribal, local and territorial health departments in educating their populations about the spread and prevention of influenza. Publications include: Cold or Flu. Antibiotics Don't Work for You. Brochure, Hand Hygiene Poster and Button Package - English, An Ounce of Prevention Keeps the Germs Away Brochure, Vaccination Prescription Pad, and Detection & Control of Influenza Outbreaks in Acute Care Facilities Guide Booklet.

The Community Preventive Services Task Force offers evidence-based findings and recommendations on reducing the transmission of influenza through The Guide to Community Preventive Services (The Community Guide), a free online resource. The Community Guide helps individuals choose programs and policies to improve health and prevent disease in their community. Systematic reviews are used to answer questions, such as:

• Which program and policy interventions have been proven effective?
• Are there effective interventions that are right for my community?
• What might effective interventions cost; what is the likely return on investment?
  

For more information on influenza, create a TRAIN account and register for courses or contact the PHF Bookstore.