As the cooler weather sets in, our attention begins to turn to more seasonal matters like putting the garden to bed, pulling out the winter boots and installing snow tires. It’s also the time of year when health care providers start offering the flu shot in anticipation of the flu season, which usually runs from November to April.

Influenza, known as the flu, is a common respiratory illness that circulates through our communities every year. The virus is easily spread — directly by sneezing or coughing and indirectly through virus-contaminated surfaces.  Symptoms include headache, chills and cough, a fever, loss of appetite, muscle aches and fatigue.

The flu can be severe, even in healthy adults, and can be especially debilitating and even deadly for those more vulnerable. People at greater risk for a longer period of illness and complications include young children or those over the age of 65. Also at risk are those with a medical condition such as chronic respiratory disease, heart problems, kidney disease or diabetes, and individuals undergoing treatment for cancer or HIV and people traveling to places where the influenza virus is circulating.

The best way to protect yourself against the flu is to be vaccinated each year in the fall. You need an annual flu shot because the virus changes every year, which means that last year’s flu shot will not protect you from this year’s flu.

The flu shot is recommended for everyone who wants to stay healthy, including people who can pass the virus to those at higher risk. These include:

healthcare providers such as physicians, nurses and emergency response workers;

healthcare service providers and family who have contact with residents of continuing care facilities;

those who provide home care for persons in a high risk group; and

household contacts of people at high risk of complications, including contacts of children less than six months of age, and of children six to 23 months (whether or not they have been immunized).

There are some people who should not receive the flu shot. These include people who are allergic to eggs and /or any other component of the vaccine, and people who are under six months of age.

Regular handwashing with soap and water for at least 15 seconds is another good way to help minimize your risk. By washing your hands often you stop the spread of germs, which will reduce your chance of becoming infected. As well as washing your hands, cover up when you cough or sneeze, clean and disinfect shared surfaces and stay at home if you are sick.

Flu clinics will begin in November across Simcoe Muskoka. To find out more about the flu shot, or for a clinic in your area, call Your Health Connection, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday at 721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 or check the health unit website at www.simcoemuskokahealth.org.

Dr. Colin Lee is one of Simcoe Muskoka’s associate medical officers of health and an emergency room physician.