In the United States, the flu season can range from November to as late as May.

Each year it is recommended that the very young, the elderly and the sick get the influenza (flu) vaccination. It is recommended for these groups because they are considered high risk, which means their immune systems are weakened and they have a greater chance of getting sick.

Also, anyone wishing to decrease their risk of getting the flu can receive the flu shot.

The week of Nov. 26 through Dec. 2 is National Influenza Vaccination Week. This year, there were multiple opportunities to get the flu shots at various pharmacies, physician-held clinics or from the county-sponsored clinics.

The health department held clinics in Auburn, Cato and Moravia this year and as of this date used all of its current vaccine supply. There are no remaining health department sponsored clinics scheduled for this season. Those still needing a flu shot should contact their primary care provider.

Both colds and flu are very contagious. In the beginning, a bad cold and a mild case of the flu might seem alike.

However, the flu can become serious. If you do not get vaccinated against the flu, it is important to know the differences between symptoms of the cold and flu.

Symptoms:

• Fever: With the cold a fever is rare in adults and older children, but can be high in infants and small children, and with the flu, a fever is usually quite high and can last up to four days.

• Headache: With a cold a headache is rare, but it can be severe with the flu.

• Muscle aches: Mild with a cold, usual and often severe with the flu.

• Tiredness and weakness: Mild with a cold, often extreme and can last two or more weeks with the flu.

• Extreme exhaustion: Not common with a cold, but can be very severe with the flu.

• Runny nose, sneezing and sore throat: Often with a cold, sometimes with the flu.

• Cough: A mild hacking cough with the cold, and with the flu, a cough is common and can become severe.

As we move into the winter months and the weather gets colder, people tend to be inside more. With more people being inside and windows being closed germs can spread quickly though a home, school or office.

Encouraging young children to be good hand washers is important. Make sure they wash their hands before eating and after playing outside, coughing or sneezing, touching animals and after using the bathroom. Good hand washing takes at least 20 seconds, so have the children sing a song such as, “Old MacDonald” or “Happy Birthday.”

It is important to prevent the spread of germs by:

• Washing hands with soap and water frequently and vigorously for one minute.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough, throw the tissue in the garbage and then wash your hands. If tissues are unavailable, use your upper sleeve instead of your hands.

• Stay home when you are ill.

Elane Daly is director of Health and Human Services for Cayuga County. She can be reached at 253-1560 or cchealth@dfa.state.ny.us