Influenza

Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses . It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The safest, most effective way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that everyone 6 months and older get their yearly flu vaccine .

In addition to vaccination, you can prevent flu and other illness by:

• Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then discarding the tissue promptly
• Washing hands frequently with soap and water. If they are not available, use an approved hand sanitizer.
• Staying home when you are sick.

Where Can You Get Flu Vaccine?

Vaccine is readily available. Use the convenient flu vaccine finder below to locate a provider in your city or zip code.

Contact your local health department .

State employees who are part of the state health plan and their covered family members are eligible for free flu shots. For more information, visit this page.

Vaccine Finder

Flu-Related Videos

• DHHS Flu Video Library
• See also transcripts for these videos.

Tackle the Flu Campaign

Congratulations to Mildred Daniels of Greenville, the winner of our Tackle the Flu text campaign drawing! Thanks to our partner, Scholastic Sports Marketing, Mildred won four tickets to a UNC basketball game. Mildred is a double winner because she also got her flu shot at the Pitt County Health Department.

Our Tackle the Flu campaign took us to more than 20 high school football games this fall and was promoted by numerous local health departments across the state. Thanks to the more than 550 people across North Carolina who entered the text contest. Remember, you can be a winner too by protecting yourself this flu season!