One-way hospitals control the spread of flu is to limit two visitors for each patient throughout the duration of a patient's stay. Rotating the number of visitors just enhances the opportunity to spread the flu. So, there may be times when Union Hospital adds this restriction.
 

In fact, Dr. Jim Turner, a family physician with Union Health and a member of the Vigo County Board of Health, says it's normal to expect spikes in the flu around this time of year. 
 

"Usually around the Thanksgiving holiday," Dr. Turner said. "People get together, travel around the country and share flu viruses, bring it home and you get a little peek then. And, I expect to see another peak when students young people go back to school after the Christmas holidays. People can be contagious for up to 24-hours before they have symptoms."
 

Health experts routinely say flu season typically lasts through March or April.
 

However, it is especially important to get vaccinated if you are in a high-risk group for developing life-threatening complications from the flu. Some high-risk groups include:

• people over age 65.
• pregnant women and new mothers
• nursing homes residents and other long-term care facilities
• people who have heart failure and other cardiac conditions, or suffer from asthma, COPD or other lung diseases
• people who have Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, strokes or other neurological problems
• people who have diabetes, weak immune systems, and chronic liver or kidney disease.

 

**It is important to note that most people who are hospitalized with influenza, have one or more of these risk factors.
 

Anyone older than six months.
 

"Everyone six months of age or older should get a flu shot every season and should get their family vaccinated because it still helps prevent the spread of flu," Dr. Farman Khan said. "It helps decrease the severity of the disease if you are vaccinated."
 

The World Health Organization says there are rare exceptions. Those with severe, life-threatening allergies to the vaccine or any ingredient, including gelatin, antibiotics or other ingredients should talk to their physician first. Those with any allergies to eggs or any of the ingredients in the vaccine should also consult a physician. Your doctor can help decide whether getting vaccinated is right for you.
 

"The most concerning thing we see around the winter months for babies is what's called RSV, or Respiratory Syncytial Virus. Generally, it comes in early December. It's a virus that's not that severe but it's hard on babies. It mainly attacks children under the age of one.
 

The sooner the better. Health experts recommend you get vaccinated in the early fall BEFORE flu season begins. However, getting vaccinated later in the year can still be beneficial, even January or later.
 

"The vaccine is effective probably within seven to 10 days of getting the injection," Dr. Turner said. "If you are older than 6-months, you can take it all the way through March. We're talking about a potentially fatal disease. So, an immunization this year should be especially effective."
 

Influenza (flu) can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Flu is different from a cold and usually comes on suddenly. 

• fever or chills
• cough
• sore throat
• runny or stuffy nose
• muscle or body aches
• headaches
• fatigue 
• some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

*It's important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.
 

Most experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by tiny droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose or possibly their eyes.

 

Stop the spread of influenza by covering your cough and sneezes. Keep your child home from school when he or she is ill and stay home from work if you are under the weather. "It's a lot of pressure to go to work when we probably shouldn't. If you don't feel well, stay home. Influenza is a three to five, sometimes seven-day illness that you are contagious."
 

TRUE! There are local pharmacies in nearly every town, on nearly every corner. Most clinics and hospitals also administer vaccinations.
 

FALSE! Flu shots are very affordable and many times even free. Free and affordable!
 

FALSE! That is one of the most common misconceptions out there. It can protect against getting the virus and spreading it to others. Although a person may have some mild feelings of discomfort for a few days after getting a flu shot, they are usually minor symptoms.
 

"Influenza is a multibillion-dollar disease in America, primarily due to hospitalization and loss of work time," Dr. Turner said. "So, I recommend getting your flu vaccine and do your best to stay healthy."
 

New versions of the vaccines are typically developed twice a year, as the influenza virus can change rapidly.
 

Each year, the World Health Organization surveys the entire globe and tries to determine the three most likely viral strains to come to the United States. Depending on how the flu virus changes and mutates, it determines how the vaccine is conditioned.
 

"The virus is pretty tough," Dr. Turner said. "It's been here longer than the dinosaurs."