Panama City -- Flu season is here and even though the weather have not always been cold, that does not mean you can drop your guard against the potentially deadly virus.

“Beginning in January because our weather is colder and that is typically when the flu is most active, when the weather is colder” said Julia Ruschmann, Bay County Health Department Public Information Officer.

No reports have been reported locally this season so far, but roughly 36,000 people in the United State die annually from the flu and related complications. In 2010, over 2,000 people in Florida died from the fly, 26 were from Bay County. For these reasons, Health Department officials are encouraging people to practice fly prevention.
Some simply ways to avoid the flu include washing your hands. Properly disposing of tissue and since the fly is highly contagious, staying home when sick.

High fever, body aches and pains are common symptoms of the flu. Resting hydrated and getting plenty of rest are helpful ways to cope with the flu, but perhaps the most important prevention is getting a flu shot.

“Every year you need to get an annual flu shot. The formula is determined by the type of flu they feel is going to be most prevalent that year so the flu vaccine actually changes year to year” said Ruschmann.

The Bay County Health Department offers free fly vaccinations to children 18 years and under. Adult shots cost $29 dollars.