The days are getting cooler and the humidity is tapering off.  While we prepare for the winter season with friends, family and gatherings, we must not forget that the winter coincides with flu season. By getting a flu vaccine now for yourself and your entire family, you can prevent flu-related illness, missed school, missed work, and missed celebrations.

Influenza is a contagious respiratory disease that can lead to serious complications, hospitalization or even death. Furthermore, it is important to stress that anyone can get the flu. Even healthy people can get very sick and spread the flu to friends and loved ones.

It is recommended that everyone 6 months of age and older get a yearly flu vaccine. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to develop an immune response; it is important to get vaccinated now so you will be protected all season long. Each year the vaccine protects against three or four viruses research suggests will be most common during flu season. This year's vaccine contains A/Michigan (H1N1), A/Hong Kong (H3N2), and a B/Brisbane (Victoria lineage) for the trivalent flu vaccine. The quadrivalent vaccine includes these three as well as an additional influenza B vaccine virus, B/Phuket (Yamagata lineage). The vaccine can be administered several different ways.  However, the nasal spray flu vaccine should not be used this season.

Visit FluFreeFlorida.com for more information on how to be a part of #FluFreeFlorida.