Around this time of year, people get sick really easily. Influenza vaccines, also known as flu shots, are vaccines that protect against infection by influenza virus.  According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), the flu season is at its peak during the months of December and February and is stronger this year than previous years. Even though your flu shot may not protect you from all strains of the flu, it will at least protect you from the first four strains.

Just like it is important to get your flu shot, it is also important to keep your home in a clean environment. Doing this will help keep everyone else healthy if someone does get the flu. Using things like disinfectant wipes, sprays and sanitizer are great ideas. Also wiping down door knobs and other household handles will keep germs from spreading easily.

There are some personal precautions to take as well, such as not touching your face or eyes and washing your hands often. Touching your face can spread millions of little germs, making yourself more defenseless . Touching your eyes when you have the flu can possibly cause eye infections as well. Washing your hands as often as you can helps keep germs away from different surfaces that you touch.

Looking ahead into the flu season, it seems like we should prepare ourselves for the worst one yet. Keeping in mind the precautions like washing your hands, sanitizing surfaces and not touching your face will help from spreading germs. Remember to get your flu shot too and incase you do catch the flu, make sure you stay home from school. It is the best way to keep the germs from spreading to everyone else.