"Charise on your Health" Flu Season: Get Vaccinated Today

It is that time of year again. As the days get shorter and the winds gust a bit harder, pharmacies are stocking up on Kleenex and vaccination locations are loaded up for the flu season. But do not freight — there are some things you should now about flu to prepare you for the season of sniffles and sneezes.

Many people are infected with the flu each year. Nearly 20 percent of Americans will catch the flu this season (over 61,400,000 people), along with over 200,000 people being hospitalized for flu related complications. Elderly, 65 or older, and infants, 2 or younger, are most vulnerable to flu complications.

The flu can be contagious. Viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people who have the flu cough, sneeze or talk. Less often, a person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, eyes or possibly their nose. You may be able to pass on the flu to someone else even before you know you are sick.

The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine each season. While there are many different flu viruses, the flu vaccine protects against the three viruses that research suggests will be most common (type A, B and seasonal flu). Vaccination sites are set up at numerous pharmacies (including Rite Aid and CVS) and community centers.

Yearly flu vaccination typically begins in September, or as soon as the vaccine is available, and continues throughout the flu season which can last as late as May. While flu season can begin as early as October, most of the time seasonal flu activity peaks in January, February or later. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each year.

Don't be a Germ Lover! These simple methods can help stop the spread of germs:

- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

Stay healthy! Thoroughly wash those hands, cover your mouth and get vaccinated! And remember, for everything there is a season.