FLU BASICS

Who is at Risk?

Unless your immune system is impaired or weakened in some way, you can fight off a flu virus you've already had. However, the influenza virus changes its genetic make-up nearly every year. That's why you can get the flu every year, and why a flu shot containing the genetically changed virus is recommended annually for adults age 50 and older and others at high risk. This season, because of the shortage of flu vaccine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending that people in the groups below be given priority for receiving a flu shot.

•	all children age 6-23 months;
•	adults age 65 years and older;
•	persons aged 2-64 years with underlying chronic medical conditions;
•	all women who will be pregnant during the influenza season;
•	residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities;
•	children age 6 months-18 years on chronic aspirin therapy;
•	health care workers involved in direct patient care;
•	out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of children under 6 months of age; and
•	patients with lung diseases such as asthma, bronchitis or emphysema

The groups above have been identified as priority groups because they are at high risk for serious, potentially deadly flu complications or are in contact with people at high risk for serious flu complications.