Thursday marks the first official day of autumn.  When we think about fall, we usually associate it with football, Halloween and the changing of leaves.  However, other changes take place, as well.  They include sneezing, coughing and fever.  Friends and classmates disappear for days at a time.  That’s right, autumn usually begins the flu season.

We learned after last year’s H1N1 scare that the flu is something we shouldn’t take too lightly.   The strand spread all over, causing college administrations to change policy to help protect students. As we prepare for the drop in temperatures, there are things we should also do to protect ourselves against getting the flu.

Most experts agree that the official start of flu season is the beginning of October.  The federal government’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gives advice on how to help protect yourself and others against the flu.

The CDC says one of the most important things we can do is get a flu shot.  While there are a few side effects that include low-grade fever and soreness around the injection sight, the sooner one gets a flu shot, the better.  A nasal spray is also available to help fight the flu.

The CDC also says to wash your hands with soap and warm water often and to cover your mouth when you cough.  We are also advised to limit contact with people experiencing flu-like symptoms. Students living in dorms should be especially careful as illness easily spreads where large groups of people are together in close quarters.

While these tips seem like common sense, they are also things we all easily forget to do.   If you get sick, take time to rest to allow your body to recover.

According to the CDC, some of the most common symptoms of the flu are fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, runny nose and body aches.

This fall, as you enjoy tailgating and Halloween parties, remember to take the time to protect yourself from getting the flu.