Genesee County Health Department Offers Tips to Help Prevent Flu

It's flu season again and Genesee County has already seen the presence of the virus in the area.

The flu, or influenza, is an infection of the nose, throat and lungs caused by influenza viruses. Symptoms include coughing, a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, body aches and fever.

According to the Genesee County Health Department (GCHD) and The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best way to prevent getting the flu is by getting vaccinated which is widely available throughout the county. The CDC recommends that everyone six months of age and older get vaccinated against the flu each year. They also say that vaccination is especially important for those who are at high risk for serious flu complications including young children, pregnant women, people 65 years old and older and individuals of any age with certain chronic health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease). Remember that once you have received the flu vaccine, it takes about two weeks before the vaccine provides its optimal benefit.