There is no sense procrastinating any longer. The peak flu season is in the two months we’re facing, and already, Alabama is one of 10 states reporting widespread flu activity.

So what? You’re still sitting there? Even though you haven’t gotten a flu shot yet?

This year’s flu vaccine addresses three viruses: Influenza A, Influenza B, and H1N1 or swine flu.

Already, the H1N1 virus has claimed the lives of at least five people in Texas.

The Centers for Disease Control recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older as the first and most important step in protecting against this serious disease.

Equally important is good hand hygiene. Washing your hands often, long, and with soap under running water is one of the best ways to avoid the flu.

If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of germs on hands in some situations, but sanitizers do not eliminate all types of germs.

Finally, if you are sick with flu, stay home from work or school to prevent spreading influenza to others

Do your part to keep our community as healthy as possible.