The cold and flu season is here, and the best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year. While flu vaccine effectiveness can vary from season to season, getting vaccinated each year provides important protections against flu. It is also effective in decreasing the number of flu illnesses, medical visits, and hospitalizations.

In addition to getting a flu shot, good health habits can also stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu. Below are some of the steps you can take to protect yourself and others from flu.

•  Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
•  Stay home when you are sick.
•  Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
•  Wash your hands often to help protect you from germs.
•  Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
•  Practice other good health habits, such as disinfecting frequently touched areas, getting plenty of sleep, being physically active, managing stress, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating nutritious foods.

Also, please remember that children should be home from school for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has valuable informtion on the seasonal flu vaccine and steps you can take to help prevent seasonal flu.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also has a handy Flu Information Guide for Parents in English and Spanish.