Seasonal influenza, aka, The Flu, is a serious and highly contagious respiratory infection. We’re working hard to improve the way we treat the flu, but until that happens, some facts about the flu just don’t change. That’s why we’re continuing our efforts to promote flu awareness and education.

Our most recent effort involved sponsoring a national survey as part of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases’ (NFID) “Why Weather Flu?” campaign, aimed at reminding everyone that the flu is both preventable and treatable.

The survey found that:

• U.S. adults are more concerned about flu this season compared to the 2011-12 season
• Despite heightened concerns, few take preventive actions. 41% of those surveyed receive an annual flu vaccine only after flu hits their local area
• When sick with flu, only 32% would contact a healthcare professional despite knowing that flu is treatable

Read more about the Flu Preparedness survey results and ways to prepare and fight flu this season here.

Here are some more helpful facts that may help you stay flu-free this season:

• Flu is a serious public health threat and should be top-of mind every season
• An infected individual can spread the flu to others up to 6 feet away by simply coughing, breathing or talking
• An estimated 5 - 20% of the U.S. population gets the flu and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from seasonal flu-related complications each year. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
• Resources exist to help raise awareness and educate about flu and how best to fight it

Flu season resources, including animations and infographics, are available for download in our flu newsroom here.