Flu season has arrived and the Saint Louis County Department of Health is urging that all residents be vaccinated against the seasonal flu – especially those most vulnerable such as the elderly and young children.

County Executive Charlie A. Dooley and Dr. Dolores J. Gunn, Director of the Saint Louis County Department of Health, were both vaccinated against the seasonal flu last week highlighting the importance and ease of being vaccinated.

“It’s not just about protecting yourself. If you don’t catch the flu, then you can’t spread the flu,” said Dr. Gunn.

To find out where to go for seasonal flu vaccinations (or to find more information about the seasonal flu), call the Seasonal Flu Vaccination Hotline or visit the Saint Louis County Flu website: 314-644-4FLU (4358) www.SaintLouisCountyFlu.com

Depending on the severity of the outbreak, between 15 and 60 million Americans are infected by seasonal flu each flu season. Over 200,000 people are hospitalized every year due to flu-related complications, and around 36,000 of them die. The populations most vulnerable to the flu are the elderly and young children.

Other standard precautions being urged by the County Health Department are:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.

• Cough and sneeze into a tissue or into your sleeve.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

• Try to maintain a distance of three feet between you and others.

• Stay home when you are sick or think you may be getting sick.