After a relatively mild flu season so far, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced today that influenza activity is beginning to increase across the state. The timing is not unusual - flu season usually peaks in February or early March. Flu activity is starting to increase across the country as well.

The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated. Over 3 million doses of influenza vaccine have been distributed during the 2008-2009 influenza season, including 808,000 doses of state-supplied vaccine. Contact your healthcare provider if you are interested in getting a flu shot.

The increase in influenza activity and the resistance to medications that treat the influenza illness makes it all that much more important to take measures to protect yourself, co-workers, friends and family. Key measures are:

- Handwashing: To avoid getting the flu, handwashing is very important, as well as avoiding close contact with those who are ill.

- Covering your cough: Sick or well, always cover your cough - use your arm to stifle a cough, not your hand…