Respiratory Illnesses

The common cold, influenza, pneumonia, SARS, and now avian flu are all respiratory illnesses that cause millions of dollars annually and affect us all.

Immunization for influenza benefits everyone, but it is particularly important for people at high risk. This includes everyone 50 years of age or older, people with chronic disorders of the lungs or heart, anyone with an impaired immune system, people with chronic diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease, and blood cell disease, and health care workers and others in contact with people in high risk groups.