Officials from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services are urging people to make sure they get their flu shots before visiting family for the holidays. According to a news release, there have already been six deaths from flu-related complications in Wisconsin this year. The news release noted that the vaccine is readily available through health care providers and pharmacies. Because it takes two weeks for the vaccine to take effect, getting one now will ensure protection by Thanksgiving and will continue throughout the holiday season. Officials encourage people to also take steps that can help protect yourself from illness – like washing hands, covering sneezes and coughs with your sleeve and frequently cleaning commonly touched surfaces.
