The chilliest days of the year may have come and gone, but the cold and flu season still is going strong.

February and March, according health officer Tom Locke, MD, MPH, are the peak of influenza season, which traditionally lasts from November through March.

Influenza, commonly called the "flu," is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses. It usually starts suddenly and can be difficult to differentiate from other illnesses with similar symptoms, such as the common cold.

The flu can cause serious complications, including bacterial pneumonia, dehydration and worsening of chronic medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes. Children and adults may develop sinus problems and ear infections.

For some, the flu can lead to death.

In the U.S., an estimated 25-50 million cases of the flu are reported each year - leading to 150,000 hospitalizations and 30,000-40,000 deaths per year, according to FluFacts.com.

If you develop flu-like symptoms and are concerned, especially if you are at high risk for flu complications, consult your health care provider.

Influenza is spread from person to person when an infected person coughs, sneezes or touches something and leaves the influenza virus on it. The virus is picked up by others who touch their mouth, nose or eyes, "catching" the virus.

Generally, healthy adults are infectious one day before getting symptoms and up to five days after getting sick. It's possible to give the flu to somebody else even before you know you are sick.

According to Locke, the only truly effective way to ward off the bug and any bacterial infections associated with it is to strengthen your immune system before it's attacked.

However, people with severe allergies to chicken eggs, who are less than 6 months old, or who have developed Guillain-Barre syndrome within six weeks of getting a flu shot in the past shouldn't receive the vaccine, he said.

People who are ill with a fever are advised to wait to get a flu shot until their symptoms lessen.

Making an effort to avoid contact with the flu also can be highly effective in staying healthy through spring, Locke said, recommending that people wash their hands regularly and take advantage of hand sanitizers available in supermarkets, stores and offices.

Flu shots are available at medical offices and pharmacies throughout the county.

For more information on the influenza virus, call Clallam County Health Services at 417-2274 from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or go online to http://clallam.net.

Ashley Miller can be reached at ashleyo@sequimgazette.com.



Tps to avoid the flu

The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits, including covering your cough and washing your hands often, can help prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests:

_ Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick, too.

_ Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

_ Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

_ Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.

_ Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs often are spread when people touch something that is contaminated with germs, then touch their eyes, nose or mouth.

_ Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.



Get that shot



These people are most at risk of experiencing complications associated with the flu and should make it a priority to get vaccinated as soon as possible:



_ Persons 50 or older



_ All children from 6

months through 18 years



_ Women who will be pregnant during influenza season



_ Anyone with long-term health problems such as heart disease, lung disease, asthma, kidney disease, anemia or other blood disorders



_ Anyone with a weakened immune system due to HIV/AIDS, long-term treatment with drugs such as steroids, or cancer treatment with X-rays or drugs



_ Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities