THE FLU (SHORT FOR "INFLUENZA") IS AN ILLNESS CAUSED BY VIRUSES THAT INFECT THE NOSE, THROAT, AND LUNGS. THE FLU USUALLY SPREADS FROM PERSON TO PERSON WHEN AN INFECTED PERSON COUGHS OR SNEEZES.

The Cambridge Public Health Department is encouraging broad use of the flu vaccine this fall. Every year, about 200,000 people living in the United States are hospitalized with the flu and 36,000 die from flu-related complications.

Based on 2007 CDC guidelines, the health department is recommending flu shots for:

• Anyone who wants to prevent the flu.
• All children age 6 months to 4 years (59 months).
• Adults age 50 or older.
• Children and adolescents (6 months to 18 years) receiving long-term aspirin therapy.
• Pregnant women.
• Adults and children (6 months or older) with chronic illnesses, immunosuppression, or any condition that can compromise respiratory function.
• Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities.
• Health care workers, caregivers, and first responders who could give the flu to people at high risk for severe illness.
• Parents and caregivers of children under 6 months old.
• Students and other people living in institutional settings, such as dormitories.