With the flu season around the corner, experts are saying it is nearly time to receive flu vaccinations.

Terri Olinger, community services nurse at Homeward of Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames, said influenza is an acute contagious viral infection characterized by inflammation of the respiratory tract, fever, chills and muscular pain.

Many parents do not realize their children have the flu until it is too late.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 93 children died during last year’s flu season. Only 45 of those children’s vaccination status were known, but 33 of those 45 were not vaccinated.

Nurses are saying the best way to avoid the flu is to get vaccinated. The vaccination arrives at clinics at the end of September but the best time to get the shot is mid-to-late October.

It is best to be vaccinated in October because the typical season begins around January and the shot only lasts about three months.

How to avoid the flu:

• Get lots of rest
• Exercise
• Eat a balanced diet
• Stay hydrated

Flu symptoms:

• Sore throat
• Fever
• Chills
• Muscular pain
• Headache
• Cough

Things to do if afflicted with flu:

• Consult your physician
• Take Tylenol to reduce the fever
• Take Ibuprofen to reduce pain
• Stay hydrated
• Wash your hands
• Don’t go to class

Who should get flu shots:

• Children age 23 months to 6 years
• People more than 50 years old
• People who have contact with small children
• People who have contact with the elderly

Sources:

Terri Olinger, community services nurse at Homeward of Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames

Monica Behning, nurse at Ames High

Catherine Bates, nurse for the Ames Middle School