Staying Healthy and Happy During Flu Season

Flu season is here, and it's not just about avoiding the sniffles. It's about making sure you don't miss out on all the fun stuff happening around you.

City Health Department's Efforts

The city health department is spending a lot of money to remind everyone to:

• Get vaccinated
• Wash hands more frequently
• Wear masks
• Cover mouths when coughing or sneezing
• Keep things clean

Expert Concerns

Experts are worried this flu season might be a bad one. There's a new flu variant with some tricky changes that might make it harder for the vaccine to work. However, the vaccine can still:

• Help keep you from getting really sick
• Prevent hospitalization
• Protect you from other flu strains

Current Situation in New York

In New York, lots of people have already caught the flu this season. The numbers have gone up a lot in just a few weeks. More people are getting so sick they have to go to the hospital.

• Flu season started earlier than last year
• The worst of it might still be coming after the holidays

What to Do If You Get Sick

If you or someone in your family gets sick:

• Stay home until you feel better
• Wear a mask, especially if you're not sure what's making you sick
• See a doctor within 48 hours if you think you have the flu
• Over-the-counter medicines can help with fever and body aches

Living in Small Apartments

Living in a small apartment can make it hard to stay healthy if someone in your family is sick. But washing your hands a lot can help stop the flu from spreading.

It's all about taking care of yourself and others.