Influenza season is here Published Nov. 5, 2013 By Public Health Flight 319th Medical Operations Squadron GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Influenza, or "the flu", is a contagious virus that causes respiratory symptoms like fever, cough and sore throat. Influenza can occasionally cause very serious illness and even death, especially in the elderly, the very young and those with chronic health issues. There are many ways to protect yourself from influenza, and the most important one is to receive the flu vaccine every year. The 319th Medical Group Immunizations Clinic is currently offering flu vaccine to all Department of Defense beneficiaries on a walk-in basis Monday and Wednesday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. There are other things you can do each day to protect yourself from influenza. Wash your hands frequently with warm soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating and after using the restroom. Disinfect commonly touched surfaces frequently, for example, shopping cart handles at the grocery. Finally, avoid close contact with others who are sick. More information on influenza can be found on the CDC website here.