Peak flu season hits during January and February, so now is the time for people to do what they can to prevent getting sick.

Flu symptoms range from mild to severe, and can affect anyone at any age. It’s especially important that seniors with weakened immune symptoms take care of themselves during this time.

Dr. Ingrid Chan, a family medicine physician at Mayo Clinic Health System in Fairmont, said elderly people typically have more chronic medical conditions so their immune system is weaker, which puts them at a greater risk of developing complications from the flu. Chan said those issues are usually why people end up hospitalized.

She said the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 19 million cases of the flu nationwide this year, with 180,000 hospitalizations. While not all those hospitalized are seniors, the highest population of those hospitalized is older than 65.

“Seventy to 85 percent of flu-related deaths the past few years are in those 65 years and older, so it can be quite serious when it hits the older population,” Chan noted.

Flu symptoms can progress to include fever; body aches and muscle stiffness; chills and sweats; headaches; cough; fatigue and weakness; and nasal congestion.

Chan provided several simple steps people can take to help prevent the flu:

o Make it a tradition to get an annual flu vaccination. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older receive the vaccine. Chan said people should try to get a flu shot around October, as it takes about two weeks for a person to develop immunity. But she said getting a vaccination now is better than not getting one at all.

“The immune system of those 65 and older is not as strong as their younger counterparts, which is why they get a stronger dose of the immunization,” Chan said.

She said anyone ages 6 months to 64 gets a dose of vaccine but the dose is higher for those 65 and older.

o Wash your hands to prevent the spread of germs.

o Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.

o Avoid large crowds is a simple way to avoid getting sick. Likewise, those who are sick should avoid going to school or work.

More information on the flu can be found at cdc.gov