Immunization - Preventable Diseases

What is Influenza?

Influenza is a very infectious disease caused by a virus that is easily passed from one person to another by sneezing, coughing and touching the eyes, nose or mouth. A person who gets influenza will usually have a sudden onset of fever, aches and pains, a sore throat, cough and headache. There are different strains of influenza that can infect people, and the viruses can change each year. Severe head, nose and lung infections can occur in adults over age 65 and in people with weak immune systems.

Last Updated: 5/5/00

                                                                    Immunization program / Links