Influenza (flu) season starts in October and runs through April. People who get sick with the flu usually have a fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle or body aches.

Because the flu passes from person to person, it is important to protect yourself with a yearly vaccination (shot). The shot is usually available as early as September, and will protect you through the end of flu season.

Everyone age 6 months and older should get a yearly flu shot. The shot given in the 2010-2011 season will protect against both seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 flu.

While everyone should get a yearly flu shot, it is most important for groups of people who are more likely to have health problems if they get the flu. These groups include:

• Children younger than 5 years but older than six months
• Adults age 50 and older
• Pregnant women
• People with certain medical conditions, including: asthma, lung and heart disease, kidney and liver disorders, cancer, and HIV/AIDS
• People who live in nursing homes
• People who care for or live with people at high risk

For more information about the flu shot, talk with your doctor.