Flu Prevention

In This Section

Stop the Spread of Influenza

Fast Flu Facts

The flu can affect anyone, young or old, at any time—even otherwise healthy individuals.
Flu viruses can cause illness from early October to late May, however seasonal flu activity most commonly peaks between December and March.
The best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu shot every year.
- An annual flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months and older.
- Everyone should have their flu shot by Oct. 31 every year.

Flu Vaccination

Debunking the Myth

Does the flu vaccine cause the flu?

No. The vaccine typically takes 2 weeks to reach full strength, however, so if someone is exposed to the flu virus during that time, they may still get sick.

What You Can Do

Children are at higher risk for severe flu related complications, including death, so it’s important that families and schools work together to prevent flu and stop the spread of an outbreak once it occurs.

: Follow these four tips to help your kids understand germs and how to prevent them⁠—at home and at school.
Kick-off Healthy Lifestyles Month by trying this fun and educational with your kids!
Get every member of your family vaccinated annually. It’s the most effective way to prevent the flu. in your community that offer immunizations.

Beat the Bug: Post this tip sheet in your home to remind family members of things to do to stay healthy during cold and flu season.

Five Questions Every Parent Should Ask Their School: Use this to guide your conversation with your school Principal about flu prevention policies and procedures.

Cleaning Protocols for Germs in the Classroom: Share with school leadership how to properly kill bacteria on the surfaces teachers and students encounter every day.

Additional Resources for PTAs and Families

(Lysol): Teaches students, teachers and families techniques to keep germs from spreading and reduce sick days.
(National School Nurses Association): Provides information and resources about flu prevention, including annual vaccination, to school nurses, parents, teachers and students.
(CDC): Provide information about flu prevention, symptoms and treatment.
(CDC): Fact sheets, posters, social media messaging, stickers and other health promotion materials that schools can use to teach students about keeping hands clean and preventing illnesses.

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