Contagious illnesses like the flu, cold and strep throat, are infections caused by a number of viruses that pass through the air and enter your body. Flu season typically starts in the fall and peaks in January or February. For financial assistance with managing your condition, see our page on Free & Discounted Services.
Managing Flu & Contagious Illnesses can be a confusing experience for newly diagnosed patients and their caregivers. To learn about the specific kinds of providers that might make up your health care team, as well as the services, programs, support groups, and organizations that can help you manage, visit the Managing the Flu & Contagious Illnesses page.
Mobile apps and tools give you easy-to-use information and resources that can help you get and stay healthy. For tips on choosing apps, see How to Choose a Good Health App by The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
FluView lets users view the CDC’s data about current flu activity across the US. Free. iOS.
Outbreaks Near Me shows real-time disease outbreak information for your location, including both influenza and the swine flu. Free. iOS, Android.
Resources selected by Terri Ottosen, Health Sciences Library, UNC-Chapel Hill,
Last reviewed January 16, 2024