Flu Season Is Getting Started In Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) - The flu fight is starting here in Minnesota.

The State Health Department considers the virus sporadic within the state.

Five people were hospitalized in the metro this last week.

Most of them were over the age of 60.

Government health officials say now is the time to think about getting vaccinated.

This year, they're recommending Flu Mist nasal spray for kids, saying it's recommended for children 2 to 8 years old.

Keeping healthy during flu season

Earlier this week, Dr. Jess Prischmann, a WCCO-TV medical contributor, gave some simple, effective tips for keeping flu-free:

--  Getting a flu vaccine.

"It not only protects you, it protects the people around you," Prischmann said.

-- Not touching your face.

"If you avoid doing that," the doctor said," you are going to keep from giving the virus a port of entry."

-- Washing your hands.

"You should at least wash your hands five times a day," Prischmann  said.

-- Disinfecting common areas daily.

"If you are around the community phone [at work], or some contact surface, keep disinfecting wipes there," Prischmann said.

-- And avoiding poor ventilation.

If you do get sick, call a doctor. You may be a candidate for anti-viral medications, Prischmann said.

Other things that might help combat the flu are: taking zinc lozenges and Vitamin D supplements.

Also: "Things like lemon, honey and garlic have been shown to have some healing proprieties," Prischmann  said.