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This year, flu has hit early and it has hit hard.
And it's likely to continue for about another month
or so before it really tapers off.
The best way to protect yourself
against the flu is with a flu shot.
In fact, even though the flu shot is far from perfect,
the effectiveness this year is about 60%.
But that means you're 60% less likely to get really sick
from the flu, and to spread it to your family and others.
It's by far the best tool we have to protect against the flu.
Virtually everyone should get a flu shot, every year.
The only exceptions are infants younger than six months of age
and if you've had a severe reaction to eggs
or to a prior flu shot, check with your doctor.
While there is still flu vaccine out there, you may have to call
around to your provider or pharmacy to make sure
that they have it before you get a vaccination.
If you have symptoms of flu- fever, chills, cough -
even if you've had a flu shot, it's important to get checked
out in two situations.
First, if you're severely ill and having trouble breathing,
and second, if you have an underlying health problem
such as diabetes.
People with those conditions should see a doctor promptly,
because treatment in the first 48 hours can greatly reduce your
chances of becoming severely ill.