Dr. Roland Grieb, chair of the Indiana Adult Immunization Coalition (IAIC) says the best way to reduce the effects of influenza is through annual vaccination.

"Influenza vaccines are safe and effective. Although mild side effects are possible, a person cannot get influenza from the vaccine."

Influenza is not the common cold. It's a potentially life-threatening disease that sends over 226,000 people in the U.S. to the hospital each year. Another 36,000 die each year from complications of the disease. This year, 306,736 to 1,226,946 Hoosiers will be susceptible to the flu.

In most seasons, influenza virus peaks in February or March, so vaccination throughout the entire flu season is beneficial and recommended.

The American Lung Association offers a Flu Clinic Locator at www.flucliniclocator.org, which is the largest online directory of public influenza clinics.

Grieb said," Influenza symptoms include fever, body aches and pains, chills, sore throat, dry cough, loss of appetite, weakness, and tiredness. The virus is spread mainly from person to person through coughing, sneezing or other hand-to-hand contact. It is possible to become infected by touching an object with the virus on it and then touching your mouth or nose."

Most people can infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and for up to five days after becoming sick.