Flu season begins in late October or November, making healthy people miserable and threatening the lives of those with chronic health problems and the elderly. Together, flu and pneumonia are the sixth leading cause of death among people over 65.

"Whether you are young or old, male or female, the best thing you can do to avoid the flu is get your flu shot," says internist Lori L. Palazzo, MD. "The Centers for Disease Control used to say the best time to get a flu shot was October 15 through the end of November, but now they recommend getting a flu shot all the way through the flu season. Of course, the earlier you get the shot, the better protected you are. Once you get the vaccination, it takes two weeks for your immunity to build up."

Every year in the United States, on average:

• 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu
• More than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications
• About 36,000 people die from flu

How to Avoid the Flu

Although flu shots are effective they are not 100 percent guaranteed to keep you from getting the flu.

"Practicing healthy habits can also help fend off the flu," says Dr. Palazzo. Here are her recommendations:

• Wash your hands frequently and keep them away from your nose and mouth, where germs spread.
• If you have the sniffles, use tissues and wash your hands afterward to avoid spreading germs to others.
• Dont share drinks or food with others.
• Exercise as much as you can, so you release all those endorphins (the happy hormones) and keep your immune system healthy.
• Avoid being around large crowds and people who are coughing or sneezing.
• Keep your immune system in tip top shape by getting plenty of sleep, eating healthy foods like vegetables and fruits and drinking enough water to keep your mucous membranes hydrated.

"If you or someone in your family catches the flu, you should get the prophylactic dose of flu medication as soon as possible to prevent catching it from them," adds Dr. Palazzo. "Because cold and flu medications are no longer considered safe for children, you can use pediatric dosages of acetaminophen or ibuprofen to ease the symptoms of fever or chills or aches and pains in your child. A hot shower and a soak in the steam can also help. Children get dehydrated very fast so be sure and keep them hydrated and on a bland diet. It is usually not necessary to take your child to a physician unless you see one of these warning signs: a high fever (usually over 101), any change in normal activities or extreme lethargy. But, of course, always call your healthcare provider if in doubt."

Where to Get Shots

The shots are plentiful this year and currently available to the public for anyone over nine years old at physician offices and most local supermarkets and pharmacies. The American Lung Association has a convenient locator to help you find a commercial outlet near you. Just plug in your zip code and you'll get a list of providers, their address, the dates and times of service and a phone number.

Call ahead to confirm if and when shots will be available at the location you choose and ask about cost. You do not need a doctor's prescription to receive a flu shot.

Lori L. Palazzo, MD
Internal Medicine

San Gabriel Internal Medicine
Compass Bank Building
10 Spring Street Ste. 102
Georgetown, TX 78626
Phone: (512) 863-3343

Dr. Palazzo attended Loyola University of the South and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology. She subsequently earned her medical degree from LSU Medical School in New Orleans and completed her Internal Medicine Residency at Charity Hospital in New Orleans. She is board certified in Internal Medicine in both Texas and Louisiana.