The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get a yearly flu vaccine.

Getting the vaccination is the most effective way to avoid getting the flu, a contagious respiratory illness, the Health Department said in a press release in advance of the flu season.

Influenza can cause mild to severe symptoms and can lead to death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu causes hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and thousands of deaths every season. Those most at risk are infants and young children, older adults and pregnant women; however, flu is unpredictable and even healthy children and adults can get the flu.

Kathy Colson, Health Department clinic supervisor, said in the release it’s not only important for people to get vaccinated to protect themselves, but also those around them — family, friends, co-workers and neighbors.

“People can be infected with the flu virus and not be showing symptoms. During this time, those persons may still spread the virus to others,” she said.

The CDC recommends getting vaccinated as soon as possible, ideally by October, because it takes two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body that protect against the flu virus. Although seasonal flu outbreaks can happen as early as October, most of the time flu activity peaks in January or later.

“Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctor’s visits and missed work and school due to flu,” Colson said. “It’s the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses.”

The Health Department, 200 Maine St., offers flu shots on a walk-in basis during clinic hours. No appointment is necessary. The flu shot costs:

• $28 for children ages 6 months to 35 months.
• $20 for children ages 6 months to 18 years who qualify for the Vaccines for Children program. To qualify, children must meet one of the following criteria: Medicaid eligible, uninsured, American Indian or Alaska native or underinsured.
• $35 for individuals 3 and older.
• $51 for the high-dose vaccine for individuals who are 65 and older.

The Health Department accepts private insurance, Medicare Part B, Medicaid and KanCare insurance plans.

Good health habits also are an important way to prevent the flu, according to the Health Department. To practice good health habits, you should:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home from work, school and errands when you are sick. The CDC recommends you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
• Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill.
• Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.