Precautions help you have a healthy flu season

Influenza, or "the flu," is caused by air-born viruses that infect the respiratory tract. The symptoms are usually similar to those of a common cold, though more severe and longer lasting — usually about two weeks.

These symptoms can include fever, sore throat, coughing, stuffy or runny nose, headache and muscle ache and fatigue. What we call "stomach flu" is actually not the flu at all, but gastrointestinal upset caused by bacteria or another type of virus.

Vaccines and antibiotics have made influenza less deadly in recent years, but there is still risk. Certain groups of people should get vaccinated. These include people 65 and older, people with chronic illnesses, pregnant women, infants 6 to 23 months of age, or anyone needing regular medical care in a hospital environment.

Anyone over the age of 50 who is currently being treated for other conditions such as arthritis, a heart condition, or other problem should also plan on getting flu vaccine.

Last but not least, healthcare workers should also get vaccinated as protection both for themselves and their patients.

If you fall into one of the categories mentioned above, it is important for you to get vaccinated against the flu virus. Some of you may be thinking "But I got vaccinated last year!"

With the flu, it is important to get vaccinated every the flu mutate so quickly that last year's vaccinations are no longer good against this year's strains.

Medical scientists spend all year tracking changes in the viruses so that we can be protected from one season to the next.

In most cases, people do not die from influenza, but the virus can become deadly when complications arise. These may include bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, asthma, or diabetes.

Surprisingly, about 36,000 people in the U.S. die as a result of complications from the flu each year.

Also, children should never be given aspirin when flu symptoms are present, unless directed by a physician. The combination can develop Reye Syndrome — a very serious life-threatening disease.

In order to better protect ourselves this flu season, it's helpful to know how the virus spreads.

Influenza is most often spread from person to person through moisture droplets in the air caused by coughing and sneezing. It can also spread through touching something with the flu virus on it and then touching our mouth or nose.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the flu virus can live up to three hours outside of the body.

This means that the shopping carts at Wal-Mart, handrails at the mall, sink faucets in public restrooms and basically anything else that we come in contact with everyday may be infected.

We can help prevent the spread of viruses through practicing good "respiratory etiquette." Cover your cough or sneeze. Always make sure to properly dispose of used facial tissues. With the flu, it is possible to pass on the virus 24 hours before we even have any symptoms. Since we may be totally unaware that we are even sick yet, it is a good idea to always practice good respiratory etiquette — even if we feel perfectly healthy.

If visiting a hospital or other doctor's office when you have the flu, let the registration staff know that you are sick. That way they can more effectively take precautions against the virus spreading.

Another key to prevent spreading the virus is washing your hands well and often, and/or using hand sanitizer frequently.

One of the major misconceptions about getting vaccinated against influenza is that it will make you sick. It won't. The virus in the injection is inactive or "dead."

Immunization works because once the virus type is injected into our system, our bodies recognize it as foreign. We then build up antibodies to protect ourselves from this particular invader.

The major side effect of the vaccination is soreness around the injection site (usually the upper arm). The tenderness is temporary and is only likely to last for a few days to a week — a small price to pay to stay healthy during flu season.

If you do come down with the flu, as many of us will, despite our best efforts not to, take care of yourself. Follow your grandmother's advice and drink plenty of fluids. This helps flush the toxins from our body and keeps our immune system in good working order.

Also, make sure you're eating properly. Though a loss of appetite is common with the flu, it is important for our bodies to get the nutrients we need to ward off infection.

When possible, stay home from work and try to keep a safe distance from your co-workers if you must go in. If your kids are sick, keep them home from school or other group activities.

This year in order to ensure a healthy winter, take some precautions.

Get a flu vaccine from your doctor or clinic.

Stay away from people displaying flu-like symptoms — if someone is coughing or sneezing, try to keep at a distance.

Wash your hand regularly and keep them away from your face.

If you do end up with the flu, get as much rest as possible and make sure you get your vitamins.

If the virus progresses or your symptoms worsen, see a doctor.