Flu season is here

The flu epidemic impacts Nebraska every year. We don’t know whether this year will be severe or mild. What we do know is that there is no flu activity going on right now.

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared. The city’s health department says you need to be taking precautions now.

“Right now this is the time, even though we have no signs of flu activity, to be doing the things that will reduce your risk when flu shows up and the primary means of prevention is immunizations,” said Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department, Tim Timmons.

It takes two weeks for a flu shot to build your immunity, so the sooner you get one, the better.

There is no flu shot for infants under 6 months. Timmons says it’s still just as important for those caring for a child that young to get their flu shot.

“Individuals who take care of children, young children, 2 and under and certainly 6 months of age that they get their immunization for flu so that they can protect not only themselves but those that they live with and those that are cared for,” said Timmons.

Although the flu shot is a recommended way of fighting influenza, there are other ways aside from the shot that can help you avoid from getting sick such as staying hydrated, getting plenty of sleep, drinking fluids and always washing your hands.

Last year, more than 250 flu cases were reported in Nebraska in October and November.