Welcome to the VA Public Health Influenza / Flu
website
Influenza – the flu – is a febrile (fever-causing)
respiratory illness caused by an influenza virus.
Both the illness and its serious medical
complications can be prevented by vaccination. The
influenza virus circulates each year, with cases of
the disease usually starting in the fall and number
of cases peaking in the winter or sometimes into
spring. The influenza vaccine is changed each year
to match the current circulating type of influenza
virus. It is important to get vaccinated every year
to get the latest protection.
VA takes seriously the threat influenza poses to
our veterans, our staff, our medical system and the
health of the country as a whole. Influenza
vaccination in VA is a priority. It usually begins
in September and October and continues through March
or April each year.
No two flu seasons are alike. Check this Web site
frequently for changes in VA and national
vaccination policies and procedures.
Flu Advisory
CDC Health Advisory (HAN) Influenza Antiviral Medications*
CDC issued interim recommendations for the use of influenza antiviral medications in the setting of Oseltamivir Resistance among circulating influenza A (H1N1) viruses for the 2008-09 influenza season.
*By clicking on this link, you will leave the Department of Veterans Affairs Web site.
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