General Information

Flu (or influenza) is a seasonal respiratory (lung) infection that causes fever and a cough or sore throat. It is most common during the fall and winter months. Every year, more than 2,000 New Yorkers die of seasonal influenza and pneumonia, which can develop as a complication of flu.

Vaccination is the BEST way to protect against the flu. Flu vaccine can be given in a shot (needle injection), or in a nasal spray called FluMist (for healthy people aged 2 to 49). Your doctor can tell you what is right for you.

For more information read the Health Bulletin: Prevent Influenza - Get Vaccinated! (PDF)

Immigrant Affairs Commissioner Fatima Shama, Health Commissioner Thomas Farley, and Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) President Alan Aviles jointly issued an Open Letter to Immigrant New Yorkers on H1N1 and the Seasonal Influenza

Commissioners Shama and Farley and President Aviles issued an "open letter" informing immigrant New Yorkers of important information regarding flu vaccination and protection. In order to reach many limited-English-proficient immigrants, the letter has been made available in eight foreign languages: Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Korean, Haitian Creole, Arabic, Urdu and Bengali.

Read the Open LetterOther languages: [ Español] [ 中文] [ Русский][ Kreyòl]
[ 한국어] [عربي] [اُردو/Urdu] [বাংলা/Bengali] (PDF)

Cover your cough and wash your hands!

To prevent the spread of flu and other infections:

• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue or the inside of your elbow – not your hand.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Don’t get too close to people who are sick. Maintain a distance of 3 feet. If you get sick yourself, avoid close contact with other people.