As soon as the influenza or flu vaccine is available in your community, the Illinois Department of Public Health recommends that everyone six months old or older should get vaccinated. The nasal spray flu vaccine is now a recommended option for the influenza vaccination. During the past 2 flu seasons, the nasal spray was not recommended, since there was a concern about the effectiveness. IDHP Director Nirav Shah, stated, “It takes about 2 weeks after the vaccination for antibodies that protect against flu to develop into the body. The flue season typically starts around October, so we highly recommend that you make plans to get vaccinated now, before flu season starts.” Flu activity peaks between December and February, but activity can last as late as May. Flu is a contagious respiratory illness, that can cause mild to severe illness. Serious cases of the flu can result in hospitalization or even death. Getting an annual flu vaccination is the 1st and best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu. The more people who get vaccinated, the more people will be protected from the flu, especially those who may not be able to get vaccinated, such as babies younger than 6-months-old. Anyone can get the flu, even young and healthy people. Flu is typically spread by droplets, when someone with the flu talks, coughs, or sneezes. People can also get the flu by touching something, such as a door handle, which has the virus, then touching their mouth, eyes or nose. On average, it takes 2 or so days after being exposed to the virus before any symptoms begin. You can pass the flu to someone roughly a day before you start experiencing those symptoms, and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick.