Influenza and Respiratory Virus Information and Prevention

Influenza, "the flu", is caused by a virus that affects the nose, throat, airways, and lungs.  Influenza A or B may circulate in the United States during late fall and winter.  An important way to prevent influenza is to get the influenza vaccine.  The 2008-2009 influenza vaccine protects against the influenza A (H3N2) Brisbane/10-like virus, the influenza A (H1N1) Brisbane/59-like virus and the influenza B Florida-like virus. Vaccination with the nasal-spray flu vaccine may be given to healthy persons aged 2-49 years who are not pregnant.  For more information on where you can get your influenza vaccine, please visit the Flu Clinic Locator or you may contact your local county health department.

Other actions you can take to reduce the spread of viral respiratory illness include using good hand hygiene, such as using an alcohol-based hand gel if hands are not visibly soiled and using proper cough etiquette such as covering your cough.  Listed below are resources and educational materials that you may distribute throughout your community.

Influenza Fact Sheets and Information
The Flu Fact Sheet (38k.pdf)  
 The Flu Hoja Informativa (48k.pdf)
Don't Let the Flu Get You (89k.pdf)
 Don't Let the Flu Get You Hoja Informativa (90k.pdf)
Pandemic Influenza Page
Avian Influenza Page
Bird Flu Facts (62k.pdf)
2007 Oklahoma State Pandemic Management Plan (1,290k.pdf)
Oklahoma Pandemic Flu Management Fact Sheet (50k.pdf)

Respiratory Virus Fact Sheets and Information
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) (44k.pdf)  
Pneumococcal Disease(46k.pdf)

Respiratory Virus Prevention Information
OSDH Cover Your Cough the Right Way (314k.pdf)
 OSDH Cover Your Cough the Right Way Hoja Informativa (314k.pdf)
Cover Your Cough (167k.pdf)
 Cover Your Cough Hoja Informativa (533k.pdf)
Antivirals (46k.pdf)
Hand Hygiene (48k.pdf)
Infection Control Guidelines to Prevent Influenza Transmission(71k.pdf)
Personal Steps to Preventing the Flu(158k.pdf)

External Influenza and Respiratory Virus Resources
American Lung Association
CDC Educational Information
CDC Flu Prevention
CDC Flu eHealth

--For vaccine information, please visit our Vaccination Page

Is it the Cold or Flu?