Flu season typically runs from late December through March, usually peaking in February. Early in this season, CDC data shows more people than normal visiting their doctor with flu symptoms.

PERCENTAGE OF PATIENT VISITS FOR FLULIKE ILLNESS

FLU OR COLD?

PREVENTION

Injection The traditional flu shot, while in short supply, protects against three influenza strains predicted to be prevalent this year. It contains killed viruses.

Nasal spray A nasal spray flu vaccine containing weakened live virus is still available. It is only recommended for people age 5-49. Both vaccines are grown in eggs.

PEOPLE WHO SHOULD NOT   GET FLU VACCINE:

Either kind - Allergic to eggs - Had an allergic reaction to a previous flu shot - Seriously ill - Younger than 6 months

Nasal spray - Older than 49 or younger than 5 - Weakened immune systems - Pregnant women - History of Guillain-Barre Syndrome - Long-term health problems

TREATMENT

- Rest. - Drink plenty of liquids. - Avoid using alcohol and tobacco. - Take medication to relieve the symptoms. Don't give aspirin to children or teenagers who have flulike symptoms, particularly fever, without first speaking to your doctor.

- A doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs Amantadine can cause nervousness, difficulty concentrating, lightheadedness. Rimantadine can cause similar side effects, but less often. Zanamivir is not recommended for people who have asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Oseltamivir can cause nausea and vomiting.

INCIDENCE

Approximately 10-20 percent of Americans get the flu each year. An average of 114,000 of them are hospitalized for flu-related complications. About 36,000 Americans die on average per year from those complications.

FLU- AND PNEUMONIA-RELATED DEATHS

Many pneumonia deaths are complications of the flu. The CDC tracks them together.