The region is suffering from a widespread flu season, according to the Tacoma Pierce County Health Department, and it still hasn’t peaked. Dozens across the state have been hospitalized, including close to 30 in Pierce County. Eight suspected flu-related deaths have been reported statewide. In order to protect residents from illness and the possibility of severe complications, the department is sponsoring free vaccines for children and low cost ones for adults.

“People are coming down with Influenza  A 2009-H1N1, the virus that caused the influenza pandemic of 2009,” said Nigel Turner, Communicable Disease Control Division director in a press release. “This virus tends to strike younger age groups and can be severe, especially for pregnant women, infants and young children, and people with health conditions such as asthma and diabetes.”

According to the Tacoma Pierce County Health Department, January and February is peak flu season in the Pacific Northwest, but the flu virus is unpredictable and receiving a shot at any time during the year will help provide protection from the illness.

Viruses that cause the flu constantly mutate, which is why yearly vaccinations are recommended. Occasionally, a virus surfaces that isn’t included in that year’s batch of vaccines. The good news is that the H1N1 strain notorious for causing such mayhem is included in this season’s flu shot.

Contact your healthcare provider, or the Tacoma Pierce County Health Department, online at www.tpchd.com, for a full list of affordable and accessible ways to obtain vaccines.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone receive a flu vaccine, whether by shot or spray, except children under six months of age, and anyone with a history of adverse reactions or Guillain-Barre syndrome. Those with severe egg allergies should notify their healthcare provider so they receive a vaccine that will not trigger an allergic reaction.

While it’s true that flu vaccines can sometimes produce mild adverse reactions, it cannot cause a person to contract the illness, according to the CDC. The most common reactions include redness and soreness at the site.

In addition to receiving a vaccine, there are many ways to safeguard against the flu and other illnesses. The following tips were provided by the CDC:

• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Kindly remind others to do the same.
• Stay home when you are sick. Give yourself 24 hours from the fever break before resuming normal social activity.
• Avoid close contact with others who are sick.
• Drink plenty of fluids and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• Avoid touching your hands, mouth, eyes and nose.
• Regularly disinfect surfaces such as light switches, door handles, telephones and keyboards.