OCALA,Fla.—Seasonal influenza, or flu, has been making the rounds locally. It doesn’t have to make its way to your home in 2018, however. Local residents can take a few simple steps to help ward off the flu:

1. Wash your hands frequently and properly. This means, wetting your hands, applying soap and rubbing soapy hands together for 20 seconds. Take care to scrub your fingertips, between your fingers, and up your forearm. Use a towel to dry, turn off the water with the towel and then throw the towel away.
2. Clean and disinfect commonly used surfaces in your home, school or office.
3. Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow, and avoid touching your face.
4. Get your flu shot.
5. Get plenty of rest.
6. Stay away from anyone with a cold or the flu, and encourage people who are sick to stay home.

Flu activity is typically highest between December and February according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“It’s not too late to get your annual flu shot,” said Florida Department of Health in Marion County Health Officer Mark Lander. “An annual flu shot will help protect you against infection and prevent the spread of seasonal flu to your family, friends and co-workers. Make sure you get your shot as soon as possible to protect yourself in the months ahead.”

The flu shot changes each year to adjust to new flu strains. The vaccine is recommended for everyone six months and older. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body to develop protection against the flu.

Check with a physician or use the Department of Health’s Flu Shot Locator to schedule your flu vaccine. Visit FluFreeFlorida.com for more information on how you can be a part of #FluFreeFL.