ACHOO! It’s that time of year again: Influenza season. With the wind getting harsher and temperatures dropping, it’s very easy to catch a cold, flu or any other virus caused by not taking proper care of your body. The Renfrew County District Health Unit (RCDHU) asks that people take their safety shots to protect themselves and others in the vicinity from illness.

The influenza, also known as the flu, is a highly contagious infection in the bodies’ airways. Though only a harsher version of a cold, the flu can be highly dangerous to some people.

Young children, babies, elders, pregnant women and people with a chronic medical condition will have a much harder time recovering than any other person. A flu can easily turn into pneumonia.

The RCDHU suggests you drink lots of warm fluids, dress properly when leaving the house, wash your hands a lot and make sure to eat at least a half-clove of garlic every day.

Chopping or shredding up garlic into soup is best, to help your body prevent sickness. Statistics say that about 10 to 20% of Canadians come down with the flu every year, and most are children; their weaker bodies cannot resist the illness as effectively as an adult.

The best way to prevent the illness, though, is to get vaccinated by the Health Unit. Their clinic is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. They won’t take drop-ins, but contact or visit them to set up an appointment. They also have clinics being held at the Pembroke Germania Club on Tuesday, Oct. 30 and Tuesday, Nov. 1 from 2 to 7 p.m. and Tuesday, Nov. 27 and Wednesday, Dec. 12 from 3 to 7 p.m. The best time to get vaccinated is sometime between October and December, right before the flu really attacks people. By taking the vaccine people are decreasing the chances that they will be stuck in hospitals or will contaminate others.

The RCDHU asks that people come to the clinic, or talk to their doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about this year’s influenza shot.

Micheala Philpitt is a co-op student from Fellowes High School working at The Daily Observer.