Flu season typically runs through April, so there is still time to get a seasonal and/or H1N1 flu shot. Below is some information about seasonal and H1N1 flu, including who should get each shot.

Seasonal Flu
People who get the seasonal flu have symptoms that include fever, headache, dry cough, sore throat, and runny or stuffy nose. The best way to reduce your chances of getting the seasonal flu is to get a flu shot.

People who are more likely to have health problems from seasonal flu should get a seasonal flu shot every year. These groups include:

• Children and teenagers age 6 months to 18 years old.
• Pregnant women.
• People age 50 and older.
• People with certain medical conditions.
• People who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility.

Parents, babysitters, and caregivers for an infant less than 6 months old should also get a seasonal flu shot, as should health care workers who have contact with people who are more likely to develop health problems from seasonal flu.

H1N1 Flu
H1N1 is a strain of flu that has gained national attention. H1N1 spreads like any other strain of flu and those infected suffer from the same symptoms as seasonal flu. People who are more likely to have health problems from H1N1 flu should get an H1N1 flu shot. These groups include:

• Children and young adults age 6 months to 24 years old.
• Pregnant women.
• People age 24 to 64 who have certain medical conditions.
• Emergency medical services personnel.

Parents, babysitters, and caregivers for an infant less than 6 months old should also get an H1N1 flu shot, as should health care workers who have contact with people who are more likely to develop health problems from H1N1 flu.

If you think you or your child should get a seasonal or H1N1 flu shot, talk to your or your child's doctor. He or she can tell you if the seasonal or H1N1 flu shot is right for you or your child and answer any questions you may have.