Cough, cough, achoo!

“Tis the beginning of the cold and flu season in the South, and health officials are reminding Alabama residents that it’s not too late to get a flu shot.

Current indications show three strains of flu circulating in Alabama, and all three strains are in this year’s influenza vaccine. It takes about two weeks after a flu vaccine to develop protective antibodies.

Whether you’ve had the shot, or are healthy, it’s important to follow precautions to prevent the spread of cold and flu germs:

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a sleeve or tissue.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective.

• Avoid touching your mouth, eyes and nose with your hands. Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

• If you get sick, stay home and limit contact with others to avoid infecting them.