What's Going Around Jan. 27, 2013

It's really no surprise -- the one and only sickness doctors at St. Vincent are warning you about is the flu -- and the symptoms like coughs and ear aches.

The Centers for Disease Control says their early data shows the flu vaccine this year is reducing the risk of having to go to the doctor by roughly 60 percent. But that's only for people who have been vaccinated.

Flu usually peaks across the country in January or February. But can continue as late as May.

In the meantime, if you get sick don't go to work or school for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone on its own and not because you took fever reducing medication.

Doctors also encourage you to wash your hands often and thoroughly.

And if you're taking care of someone with the flu ,there are some ways to keep yourself safe.

Avoid being face to face with the sick person.
Hold a sick child so their chin rests on your shoulder and they don't cough or sneeze in your face.
Use an alcohol based hand rub if soap and water isn't available.

We also want to remind you it is not too late to get a flu shot.

The CDC recommends vaccinations for as long as the virus is present.

It takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to take the vaccine.

And if you had flu symptoms you should still get a vaccination.

That's because while you might have felt you had the flu, in reality you might have had another respiratory illness that wasn't actually flu.