As the District transitions into colder months, now is the best time to get vaccinated against the seasonal flu virus.  It is estimated that, on average, approximately 5% to 20% of U.S. residents get the flu, and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized for flu-related complications each year.  This year’s flu vaccine will protect against several different strains of flu including H3N2, an influenza B virus, and the 2009 H1N1 virus.  The DC Department of Health has been working diligently to reduce the spread of the flu among DC residents on the job, at school and at home. This page serves as a resource center for information on the flu in the District and on the preventative measures residents can take to protect themselves from the flu.