If you’re wondering whether you should get a flu shot, answer this simple question: Are you older than 6 months of age?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone past that tender age get an annual flu vaccination. The vaccine remains especially important for people at high risk for serious flu complications, those who live with them, and those who care for them. Those at high risk include children younger than 5 years, pregnant women, people 65 years and older, and people with certain chronic conditions (like asthma, diabetes, or heart and lung disease). Also, caregivers for children younger than six months of age should get the vaccine since infants are too young to be vaccinated.

The composition of this year’s flu vaccine was updated to protect you against the flu viruses that are expected to circulate. With more than one flu vaccine available, talk with your healthcare provider about which option is best for you.

Avoid Passing the Flu

Flu viruses appear to spread from person to person through coughing, sneezing, or talking. It is also possible to get the flu by touching an object that has flu virus on it and then touching your mouth, eyes, or nose. To stop the spread of germs and avoid the flu:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue, then throw the tissue away. (If you don’t have  a tissue, cover your mouth with your elbow instead.)
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Try to stay away from people who are sick.

If You Get the Flu:

Stay home and rest until your symptoms are better and your fever has been gone for at least 24 hours.

• Drink lots of fluids.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers to ease fevers, headaches, and muscle aches.
• If you have a prolonged fever over 102 degrees with fatigue and body aches, severe or persistent vomiting, or swollen glands in your neck or jaw, it’s time to see a healthcare provider. You should also call your provider if any of these flu symptoms last more than 10 days or get worse instead of better: fever, headache, stuffy nose, nausea, chills and sweats, cough, muscle aches, or fatigue.