By Matt Crownover
Chronicle staff

     As cold weather makes its way into the Okanogan Valley, people need to start thinking about the flu before influenza season hits, said Lauri Jones, Okanogan County Public Health nursing director.
     In a typical year, flu season hits its peak after the start of the new year, usually around February, but precautions should be taken as soon as possible, Jones said.
     "The best way to prevent the flu is to get your flu shot each year," said Jones, who added that it takes about two weeks after receiving the shot for the vaccine to take effect.
     The flu is a more serious virus than many people believe, she said. Every year, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized and about 36,000 people die from complications from the flu, she said.
     This year, the focus is on making sure kids over the age of 6 months receive their flu shots, Jones said.
     "There were quite a few deaths (nationwide) that could have possibly been prevented last year had kids gotten their flu vaccinations," said Jones, who also said there are plenty of vaccines for kids this year.
     The flu virus brings more severe symptoms than the common cold, Jones said. People with the flu can experience headaches, extreme tiredness, a dry cough instead of a loose cough, sore throat and muscle aches, she said.
     Jones said the virus is spread from person to person through coughing or sneezing and can be transferred by touch. Shopping carts and other contaminated surfaces are some of the more common ways of spreading the flu, she added.
     The virus can be spread one day before symptoms start and up to five days after the symptoms end, so the virus can be spread before an individual becomes sick, she said.
     Jones said it's important for everybody to get flu shots, but a few groups of people in particular should be vaccinated, including women who are pregnant, kids, people over 50 and health care workers.
     "Health care workers have been really lax in the past about getting their flu shots," Jones said. "They need to make sure they get protected as well."
     Nurses and individuals who take care of or visit in-home patients also need to make sure they get their flu shots, Jones said.
     She said it's also very important for people with existing health concerns, such as diabetes and people with lowered immune systems, to get their flu shots.
     "If you already come from a point where your immune system is weakened, it doesn't take much to make it that much worse," Jones said.
     Clinics in the area offer flu shots, which usually cost a reasonable amount, Jones said.
     Okanogan County Public Health already has administered more than 300 shots in the past couple weeks, Jones said. There is not always a nurse available so Jones said it's important for people to call ahead of time.
     Jones said rest and relaxation are the best ways to recover from the flu.
     "If you get sick, stay home, get lots of rest and drink plenty of liquids," said Jones, who added that it's best to avoid alcohol and tobacco since those products can complicate the virus.
     More information about the flu is available from Okanogan County Public Health, 422-7140.