Don't take it from me...

I went and got my flu shot today...and you should too! But don't take it from me...take it from Kristi Yamaguchi who represents many in the Faces of Influenza Campaign.

According to the Faces of Influenza Campaign...

*Influenza, also called "the flu," is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent this illness is by getting an influenza vaccination each year.

*Anyone can get influenza. In fact, up to 1 in 5 people in the US get this serious respiratory illness every season. Some influenza infections will cause lost work and school days, but for those at highest risk for suffering from complications, the results can be more severe.

*Influenza is not the common cold. It is serious. Each year, approximately 226,000 people in the US are hospitalized with complications from influenza and an average of 36,000 die from the disease and its complications. Combined with pneumonia, influenza is the nation’s 8th leading cause of death.

Are you the Face of Influenza? Click here to take the quiz.

Also, find a Faces of Influenza Event in your area.