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Seasonal Influenza
Influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious disease that is caused by the influenza virus. The flu season, can range from November through March, and even past March in some years. Flu shots are vaccines containing killed virus and are given with a needle, usually in the arm. The vaccine contains three vaccine strains - one A (H3N2) virus, one A (H1N1) virus, and one B virus representative of the influenza vaccine strains recommended for that year.
CDC Prevention and Control of Influenza (MMWR August 8, 2008)
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Baltimore Health Department tips to avoid getting flu or giving it to others:
1) Wash your hands frequently
2) If you are sick, stay home and limit contact with others.
3) If your children are sick, keep them at home until they feel better.
4) Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing and use
disposable tissues to blow or wipe your nose.
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Avian Influenza
The outbreak of H5N1 influenza in birds in Asia is still primarily a disease among animals and not people. It is not spreading from person to person and there is no evidence at the current time that it will ever be a pandemic. It's possible that this virus, which has only occasionally infected people with high mortality rates, could evolve to become more contagious and that is why the government is currently scaling up efforts to be prepared.
Avian Influenza Current Situation from the CDC
Traveler's Health Update: Human Infection with Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Virus in Asia
If you plan to travel to areas where there have been avian flu outbreaks in birds you should visit CDC's Travelers' Health advisory website to educate yourself and others who may be traveling with you about any disease risks and CDC health recommendations for international travel in areas you plan to visit.
Public Response to Community Mitigation Measures for Pandemic Influenza
Survey results suggest that community mitigation measures (social distancing, school closures and isolation of sick persons) could cause problems for persons with lower incomes and for racial and ethnic minorities.
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