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Flu - seasonal influenza
- Seasonal influenza ("flu") is a contagious disease. It is caused by a virus that attacks the nose, throat, and lungs. It is different from a “cold” and the "stomach flu."
- Symptoms include fever, headache, tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, and body aches. These symptoms can be severe and make a person ill for many days.
- The flu season in Minnesota usually begins in October and lasts
 as long as April. Get your flu shot now!
- Flu viruses are always changing. Each year a flu vaccine is made to protect against the flu viruses that are expected during the upcoming flu season. This year’s vaccine will protect against the 2009 H1N1 virus and two other influenza viruses.
- It is not too early to vaccinate for influenza - vaccine given now will provide protection through the full influenza season.
- Everyone 6 months of age and older should be vaccinated this year.
Where to get a flu shot
- Check with your doctor or visit the MDH Flu Clinic Finder to find a flu shot clinic near you.
- The Dakota County Public Health Department has a limited supply of influenza vaccine for:
- For current information about flu shots from Public Health, call the Immunization Information Line at 952-891-7999 (information available in English or Spanish)
What you can do to avoid the flu
- The best way to avoid influenza is to get a flu shot. Influenza vaccinations are now recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older, unless the person has a medical reason for not being vaccinated.
- It is also important that you:
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This page was last updated on: 09/14/2010
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