Influenza

Peak influenza ("flu") season in Boston has come to a close for the 2012-2013 season. The Boston Public Heath Commission does not expect significant numbers of influenza cases until the next flu season (Fall to Spring 2013-2014). Visit the links below for influenza updates and general information about the seasonal flu: 

1. Influenza UPDATES:
   
   
   • Up-to-date information on avian influenza H7N9 in China 
   • H7N9 travel information to China in English and Chinese 
   • Boston’s 2012-2013 Influenza Season in Review 
     
     
2. Get the Facts - General flu information.
   
   
3. Vaccination - This is the best way to protect yourself from the seasonal flu. Influenza can cause serious illness in anyone, but you are at higher risk if you fall into one of the following groups:
   
   
• Pregnant women
• Children less than 5 years of age
• Seniors
• Anyone of any age with underlying health problems like heart disease, lung disease (including asthma), kidney disease, or otherwise healthy people who are morbidly obese (BMI ≥40 kg or 88 lbs/m2) 
• People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
• Health care workers
• Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
• Household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)
  
  
  
4. Get Well - How to care for yourself and others.
   
   
5. Educational materials - resources related to influenza.
   
   
6. Healthcare providers - Reporting requirements and infection control guidelines for healthcare providers as well as research and clinical laboriatories.