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CDC Guidelines for Flu & Pneumonia

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publishes information and guidelines about viruses, diseases and infections around the world. These guidelines information about flu and pneumonia.

  1. Preventing Flu

    • CDC guidelines recommend getting a yearly flu shot. The seasonal influenza shot contains deactivated (dead) virus cells of the strains of flu virus most likely to be active during the flu season.

    Preventing Pneumonia

    • Yearly immunization against the pneumonia bacteria remains the most effective way to prevent it. Doctors recommend this vaccine for people with chronic medical conditions, the elderly, the very young and those with compromised immune systems.

    Treating Flu

    • If you have the flu, take prescription antiviral drugs like Tamiflu, or other pills, liquid or powders you can inhale to prevent the flu virus from reproducing.

    Treating Pneumonia

    • The treatment for pneumonia recommended by CDC guidelines is typically a course of antibiotics and possibly an anti-viral if a virus is present.

    Outcome of Vaccination

    • Flu vaccination reduces the risk of getting sick 70 to 90% in healthy adults. A pneumonia vaccination is 60 to 70% effective in healthy patients.

    Prevent Spreading

    • To prevent spreading germs, the CDC guidelines include staying home when sick, washing your hands (or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers), staying away from healthy family members and disinfecting public surfaces.

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