It is important that people be vaccinated against the flu. If you have not done so already, now is the time to protect yourself, your children and loved ones.

The single best way to protect yourself and family is to be vaccinated each year for flu.

Flu takes a big toll on young children. Each year in the United States, an average of 20,000 children younger than 5 are hospitalized because of flu-related complications. One hundred children die from this serious disease each year.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that children older than six months get vaccinated against the flu. The CDC also recommends close contacts, especially family members and caregivers, of children younger than five get a flu vaccine each year to provide added protection to this high-risk group. Children under six months are too young to receive the flu vaccine, but are the most vulnerable to develop serious, even fatal, complications from flu. This makes vaccination of their close contacts especially critical.

The flu also can impact the health of adults. In the United States, each year, an average of 36,000 people die from serious flu complications. More than 200,000 Americans are hospitalized from flu complications. Ninety percent of flu deaths and more than half of hospitalizations occur in people 65 years and older. Thirty percent of persons 65 or older don't get vaccinated each year.

The CDC is encouraging people 65 years and older to get their flu shot. It is important for all age groups to be vaccinated annually; however, it is especially important for adults 65 and older.

Individuals suffering from chronic medical conditions such as; asthma, diabetes, kidney disease or cancer should also receive a flu shot. An individual with any of these conditions is considered “high-risk” and more susceptible to disease. It is important that people who suffer from chronic medical conditions be proactive with their health.

The flu is very contagious and can cause symptoms such as high fever, sore throat, coughing, extreme tiredness, runny or stuffy nose. Children may also experience nausea and diarrhea. It can easily spread from person to person. Taking small steps can prevent the spread of this disease. Washing your hands frequently and coughing into your elbow instead of your hand will help prevent the spread of germs this flu season. If you are sick, stay at home and away from people who have weakened immune systems.

Remember, vaccinating yourself and your family is the single best protection against flu.

The Cayuga County Health Department held three public clinics this year, one in Cato and two in Auburn. The Health Department was able to distribute all of the allotted vaccine for this year. If you still would like a flu shot, you should call your primary care provider or check with local pharmacies.

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