Celebrities, health officials and everyday people have joined the Faces of Influenza campaign, sharing personal stories about their experiences with the disease and encouraging influenza vaccination among recommended groups.

The Lung Association is working with other families across the country who lost loved ones to influenza. These parents, as well as others involved in the program, have joined the Faces of Influenza campaign to help families avoid the tragedies they experienced.

On a national level, Olympic Gold Medalist figure skater, "Dancing with the Stars" winner and mother Kristi Yamaguchi is the spokesperson for the Faces of Influenza campaign. Other celebrity "faces" featured include: actor Dean Cain, who played Superman on ABC's Lois and Clark; Dr. Joyce Brothers, well-known psychologist and advice columnist; Joy Behar, comedian and co-host of ABC's The View; and Olympic Gold Medalist Vonetta Flowers.

Faces of Influenza Awareness Activities

Faces of Influenza aims to reach consumers and health care providers through various educational activities on the national and local levels. The initiative includes educational materials for consumers and health care providers that are available at www.facesofinfluenza, where visitors can also find more information about influenza and the importance of vaccination. Site visitors can also view the photographs and stories of "faces" featured in the initiative and utilize the Lung Association's Flu Clinic Locator, www.flucliniclocator, the largest online directory of public flu clinics.

Source: lungusa