Preps under way for flu season - WAOW - Newsline 9, Wausau News, Weather, Sports

Health care providers are gearing up for the start of the flu season. The Marathon County Health Department has received its supply of flu shot vaccines and expect to have more than enough on hand.

Epidemiologist Ruth Marx says, "We are recommending that people get their vaccine now. We have both injectable and nasal forms available. The flu season can start as early as October. It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to provide protection--so now is the time to come in and get your vaccination."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov/flu/  reports  thousands of people die every year from influenza and many more are hospitalized. Health experts say the virus is a particular risk for children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.

This year's vaccine protects against the influenza A H1N1 (otherwise known as swine flu); the influenza H3N2; and influenza B.

The CDC recommends vaccines for everyone over the age of 6 months.

For more information from  Wisconsin health leaders on influenza check out www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/communicableinfluenza