GREENE COUNTY — Greene County Public Health is reminding residents that flu season is beginning to take hold of the Miami Valley region and that everyone six months and older, including pregnant women, should get a seasonal flu vaccine.

The flu is a contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus infecting the nose, throat, and lungs and can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia or bronchitis, hospitalization, or even death. It can also cause certain health conditions, like diabetes, asthma and heart and lung disease, to become worse. Even healthy people can get sick with the flu and have serious complications. According to GCPH officials, getting a flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your family from this serious disease.

Flu viruses are constantly changing, and different viruses can circulate causing illness each season. Vaccines are made each year to protect against the flu viruses that research indicates will be most common. Vaccination immunity also declines after a year. This is why everyone needs a flu vaccine every season.

Flu vaccines can be obtained at local pharmacies and primary care physicians’ offices or health centers.

Health Commissioner Melissa Howell reminds everyone to maintain good health by washing hands regularly, covering coughs and sneezes, eating a balanced diet, exercising and getting the right amount of sleep.

For more information and helpful tips, log on to www.flu.gov.