2012-2013 Flu Facts

(WTNH) -- It's that time of year when the cold air moves in, and with those declining temperatures also comes sickness. The following is various information regarding the 2012-2013 flu virus.

What is the Flu?
Influenza, the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness and at times can even lead to death.

The Peak of Flu Season
The timing of flu is unpredictable and varies from season to season. The peak of flu season is generally in January or February. However, the flu season can begin as early as December and continue until as late as May. According to the CDC, last year's flu season began late and was relatively mild compared to previous season.

Who's at High Risk for Complications?
The following are people who are at high risk for developing serious complications like pneumonia if they get the flu: people who have certain medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, and chronic lung disease, pregnant women, people 65 years and old.

Who Should Get Vaccinated?
CDC recommends that everyone six months and older gets a flu vaccine each year.

Flu Vaccine & Viruses
The 2012-2013 influenza vaccine is made from the following three viruses:
an A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus, an A/Victoria/361/2011 (H3N2)-like virus, a B/Wisconsin/1/2010-like virus (from the B/Yamagata lineage of viruses).

Flu Vaccine Availability
For the 2012-2013 flu season, manufacturers have projected that they will produce between 146 million and 149 million doses of flu vaccine. During 2011-2012, 132.8 million doses of flu vaccine were distributed in the U.S.

More Flu Information
For more information contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at 1-800-232-4636 or visit the CDC's website . Or you can also visit the CT Department of Health's website .