The Flu
Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center is Helping You Fight the Flu
This site is dedicated to helping control the spread of the influenza (flu) virus by keeping you informed about how to protect yourself and your family.
Our infectious disease specialists work closely with local and state health departments and federal agencies like the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to educate physicians, patients and the public about what everyone can do to control the spread of the flu virus.
Seasonal flu– the seasonal flu is contagious and is usually accompanied by a fever and respiratory symptoms. It can be mild or severe. According to the CDC, up to 20% of the population gets the flu every year. More than 200,000 are hospitalized from complications related to the virus, and about 36,000 people die from the seasonal flu.
Everyone, age 6 months and older, is strongly encouraged to be vaccinated annually against the flu virus. Flu vaccines are your best defense against getting sick and the most effective way to control the spread of the virus.
It is important to realize that for most people, an episode of the flu will be a brief illness that will simply require you to stay home, rest, drink liquids and control fever.