‘Tis the season again.

“Flu season” officially runs from Oct. 1 to March 1 of each year, however flu cases may linger on as late as May. What can we expect this year?

First of all, let’s discuss the big news from last year. The vaccine missed the “target.” It was not reliable against the strain of flu that circulated last year. Flu viruses are constantly changing. The vaccine is formulated using the previous year’s data. Usually this “miss” happens about once a decade.

It is not possible to predict what each flu season will be like. The only sure fact is there will be flu circulating. The timing, severity and length of season vary from year to year.

Receiving a flu vaccine is your best protection against the flu. If you receive the vaccine, it greatly increases your resistance to the virus and if you do become sick anyway, your illness is usually much milder than a regular case of the flu.

Flu vaccinations are especially important for people at risk from serious complications. Elderly persons and children are more likely to suffer serious complications. Children under the age of six months cannot be vaccinated. Therefore, if you care for a child under the age of six months, it is important for you to get your vaccination to avoid exposing them to the illness. As we age, our bodies become more “weathered;” it is harder to fight off illness. If someone suffers from a chronic medical condition, they are more susceptible to communicable diseases such as the flu. Vaccines are very important for this group of people.

The Centers for Disease Control recommend you receive your vaccine as soon as it becomes available, if at all possible. It will require two weeks following vaccination for your body to use the vaccine to build up antibodies. Therefore, if you are exposed to the flu two weeks prior to receiving the vaccine or during the two weeks following vaccination, you may still develop the flu.

We preach each year that the “flu shot” cannot give you the flu. It is developed with a dead virus. The flu mist, which is sprayed up the nasal passage, does contain a small dose of live virus and may cause some people to develop flu-like symptoms.

Whether you receive a preventive vaccine or nasal spray or not, if you develop flu-like symptoms, you should see your medical provider. Antiviral drugs, which must be prescribed by your provider, are effective for flu symptoms if started within 48 hours of the first signs of the flu.

The vaccine is your first defense. However, there are other things you can do to prevent the flu. Wash your hands — always, always wash your hands. Use the hand and cart wipes in the grocery or other department stores. Avoid “sick people.” Stay home if you are sick. Remind sick contacts to cough and sneeze into their elbows. Stay safe and well.

More detailed information may be found by going to www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season-2015-2016.

Billie Whitfield, RN, CIC is the Infection Control and Prevention Nurse at Vidant Beaufort Hospital and can be reached at 252-975-4186.