You’re right to want to do whatever is in your power to stay flu-free this season, especially given the severity of this year’s outbreak. But before you put your personal flu-prevention plan in action, make sure those methods are actually going to do the trick. Pritish Tosh, M.D., an assistant professor at the Mayo Clinic’s Division of Infectious Diseases, details some of the biggest mistakes people are making when it comes to flu prevention.

Check out this article to find out what not to do.

The nation’s early flu season continues to grow in the U.S., with no sign yet of a peak in the spread of coughing, achy, feverish illness, health officials said recently. Twenty-nine states and New York City reported high levels of flu activity, up from 16 states and NYC the previous week. Flu was widespread in 41 states, up from 31 states, according to the latest figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

As of the week ending Dec. 29, 2,257 people had been hospitalized with flu, and 18 children had died from complications of the illness, CDC reported.

Click here to read the full story from MSNBC.

Flu season has arrived and, this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending that anyone over the age of 6 months get the flu vaccine. Many providers and local pharmacies at popular corner drug stores are already making the vaccine available.

Get the facts about the flu and the 2011-2012 flu vaccine.

Flu season is just around the corner and, this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending that anyone over the age of 6 months get the flu vaccine. Many providers and local pharmacies at popular corner drug stores are already making the vaccine available. Get the facts about the flu and the 2010-2011 flu vaccine.

Just in time for National Influenza Week (January 10-16), the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals has expanded H1N1 vaccine availability to the general public. Until recently, the vaccine has been available only to high risk populations. Now, anyone interested in receiving the H1N1 vaccine may contact his or her healthcare provider, or any provider listed on the H1N1 flu shot locator at www.fighttheflula.com.

Children are at higher risk for getting both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 (swine flu) virus. The H1N1 vaccine will be available soon, but for now, parents are urged to get their children vaccinated against the common seasonal flu. While many are responding well to treatments for both the seasonal and H1N1 viruses, it’s important for parents to make sure they understand how to administer the proper dosage when giving flu treatments - especially involving young children.

The seasonal flu normally begins in September or early October and runs into the spring, but the seasonal flu made an early arrival this year by showing up in August.  While the H1N1 (swine flu) virus vaccine is not yet available to the public, health professionals are advising citizens not to wait to get the seasonal flu shot. Contact your local Office of Public Health to find out where to get the seasonal flu shot or visit www.flula.com for The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals’ Emergency News page for flu related issues. Photo: Inkyhack on Flickr