Although there are fewer cases of the flu virus compared to December, people are not out of the clear yet.

Flu season runs from November to March, but people can contract the flu any time during the year.

Theresa Cisneros, a nurse at Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital in Dixon, said there have not been as many cases of the flu as there were in December, but people still need to follow good hygiene.

Jennifer Helfrich, manager of occupational health at Kishwaukee Community Hospital, said the amount of flu vaccines the hospitals gave doubled this year, but she said she thinks the media may have made people want the vaccine.

“If you’re in places where people are coughing and hacking, don’t sit right by them,” Cisneros said. “Handwashing is the best way to prevent the flu.”

Chuck Jennings, Illinois flu vaccine contact, said 84 million doses of the vaccine were made this year, and most have been bought.

“The flu virus changes every year,” Jennings said. “That’s why people need to be vaccinated every year.”

Jennings said each year produces a slightly new genetic strain, and there is a dramatic change every seven to 10 years.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Web site, about 10 to 20 percent of Americans contract the flu every year. Symptoms include fever, headache, tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion and body aches. The symptoms normally are more severe than those of the common cold.

Cisneros said even children can receive the vaccination now.

If the flu is suspected, doctors can do a swab test, Cisneros said. If the test for influenza is positive, patients may receive Tamiflu, which reduces the symptoms of the flu. Also, people with the flu need plenty of liquids to prevent dehydration.

“Your body needs rest and hydration is important,” NIU Health Educator Mary Strohm said.

Those who feel tired or have a fever should avoid physical exertion and make sure they are getting enough rest. Many times, if people do not rest, a cold or flu could develop into secondary illnesses such as bronchitis, sinus infection or pneumonia.

Health Enhancement Services currently offers cold and flu care kits to students.

“One of the reasons we started the campaign for colds and flu is because that was the biggest reason for visits to Health Services,” Strohm said.

Health Enhancement Services began making the kits seven years ago. Each kit includes handouts about cold and flu, a disposable thermometer, a small pack of tissue, soup mix, two tea bags and cough drops. The kits are free and are available at the Holmes Student Center’s food court, the Student Recreation Center lobby, health services basement and in the residence halls.