While getting an annual vaccination for seasonal influenza (the flu) can help prevent those uncomfortable symptoms associated with the virus, it could also ultimately save your life (and the lives of those you love).

“Influenza is a highly contagious and serious illness that still causes deaths each year,” says Scott W. Lindquist, M.D., state epidemiologist for communicable diseases and acting chief science officer for the state of Washington.

Symptoms of the flu include but are not limited to a fever, cough, body aches, headache, and fatigue. While you’re most likely to contract the virus during flu season, it can happen at other times, too. Generally, the ways in which you prevent the spread of any virus are similar. Be sure to continue to use these stay-well strategies all flu season long:

• Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water
• If no sink is available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol
• Avoid touching your face
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue; dispose of the tissue right away
• Avoid being in close contact with people who are sick if you can
• Avoid being in close contact with others when in public
• Sanitize commonly used surfaces
• Stay home if you’re sick

If you think you might have the flu and you’re over 65, talk to your doctor about receiving a diagnostic test to confirm the diagnosis because symptoms are like the common cold and COVID-19. It’s important to do this within the first few days of showing symptoms. No matter how old you are, your doctor can help you manage the illness. If you or someone you love is having trouble breathing, feeling pressure or pain in the chest, showing new confusion, experiencing an inability to wake or stay awake, or showing bluish lips or face, call 9-1-1 immediately.

While taking protective measures to avoid infection is an effective way to stay healthy during flu season, one of the most critical steps you can take is getting your flu shot. Ask your doctor if the flu shot is right for you.

Here’s what you should know about this extremely important vaccination from Dr. Lindquist:

1. The flu is preventable

The flu virus is different every year, but the recommended timeframe for getting your vaccine remains the same – late summer through March. Getting your annual flu vaccine during this period (the earlier the better) is your best defense in preventing the flu and staying healthy

Every year, a panel of medical experts examines the types of flu viruses that are currently circulating, as well as the types that people came down with last year. This helps them develop a safe vaccine for whatever flu strains are most prevalent that year. While the flu shot is not 100 percent effective, it is the best way to protect yourself against the flu.

2. Some people are more at risk than others

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most people who get the flu will get better in a couple of weeks. Some can develop complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or sinus or ear infections.

The following groups of people are at risk for more serious flu-related complications that require hospitalization, so it’s especially critical to get the vaccine if you or someone you love:

• Is under 5 years old, especially those younger than 2
• Is over age 65
• Is pregnant or up to two weeks postpartum
• Is residing in a nursing home
• Has a health condition such as asthma, chronic lung disease, diabetes, or heart disease
• Is immunocompromised, including those who are receiving chemotherapy

3. The flu vaccine doesn’t protect against COVID-19

It’s important to remember that the flu and COVID-19 may present similar symptoms but are different viruses. COVID-19 spreads more easily than the flu and can cause more serious illness in some people. And it continues to do so — we're not out of the woods of this pandemic just yet.

The good news: Vaccines are available for both the flu and COVID-19.

The flu vaccine protects you against the influenza virus, while the COVID-19 vaccine protects you against the coronavirus responsible for the pandemic. That’s why it’s so important to get your yearly flu vaccine and stay up to date on the COVID-19 vaccine and its boosters.

4. You need to plan for it

The flu vaccine can take up to two weeks to work, so it’s important to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Why not give yourself and those you love the best protection possible? Together, we can keep each other safe this flu season.