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Think healthy this flu season

Like it or not, the flu season is here. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most regions of the United States, including our area, are reporting widespread activity.

There’s good news however — indications are that the season might already have peaked, The Associated Press has reported.

That doesn’t mean you should let your guard down. There’s plenty you still can do to avoid the fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle aches, headaches, chills and possible hospitalization that go along with the flu.

One of the easiest ways is to get a flu shot. If you have not done that yet, remember that the flu vaccine is still widely available, and, with the flu season expected to last for a couple of months, it can still offer protection. And, yes, it might not be effective in preventing every case of the flu, but it likely will lesson your symptoms if you do become sick.

It’s also recommended that you wash your hands regularly with soap and water; avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth; cover your coughs and sneezes; clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that might be contaminated; and try to stay away from people who are infected. And, if you are sick, stay at home and contact your health care provider.

You’re not able to completely prevent the flu, but by being aware and taking precautions, you can at least make it easier to deal with.

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