Each year in the United States, seasonal influenza (the flu) causes severe illness, hospitalizations, and even death.

 

Flu Season is Not Over
At the beginning of flu season, the Public Health Foundation (PHF) provided a list of available trainings that address flu transmission. Unfortunately, flu season is not over. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) FluView, an online weekly surveillance report, influenza activity remains elevated nationally. Some states that saw earlier increases in flu activity are now beginning to see decreases. Other states are continuing to see high levels of flu activity or are seeing continued increases in activity.

 

Anyone can get the flu, but some populations are at a higher risk for serious complications, including those with underlying chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or neurological conditions; pregnant women; those younger than five years or older than 65 years of age; or anyone with a weakened immune system. This season, 61.6% of reported flu hospitalizations have been people 18 to 64 years old. More commonly, most flu hospitalizations occur in people 65 and older. A full list of people at high risk is available at the CDC Flu website.

 

Partnering for Prevention
In partnership with the CDC’s Seasonal Flu Program, PHF is publicizing and distributing resources to help you inform and educate your constituents on actions that can be taken to prevent the flu. Simple and inexpensive measures can be applied in multiple settings, including health departments, hospitals, worksites, schools and universities, and other locations.

 

Vaccinate
The single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated. CDC urges people who still have not been vaccinated - in particular the most vulnerable groups - to take action NOW. Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors' visits, missed work, hospitalizations, and deaths. Regrettably, younger adults and those who are otherwise healthy are less likely to adhere to these recommendations. As of mid-November 2013, only 31% of people aged 18-49 years had been vaccinated. This statistic falls nearly 10% points below the national average.

 

Stop Germs
Encourage your colleagues, staff, patients, and partners to avoid contact with those who are already ill, wash hands regularly, and clean and disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu, other viruses, and bacteria. Remind those who may exhibit flu-like symptoms that antibiotics do not treat the flu, and antivirals may be needed.

 

Educate
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, healthcare personnel, and others can use to prevent flu transmission. Create a TRAIN account and register for one or more of the following courses:

 

Related Flu Resources
PHF encourages you to also check out other useful resources: