It's that time of year again -- flu season. With the shortage of flu vaccinations, it is more important than ever to be prepared. OSF HealthPlans has put together a helpful site on this year's flu and cold season. Additionally, below you will find information on ways other than vaccination to reduce your flu risk, up-to-date information on the vaccine shortage, and what to do if the flu bug strikes!

Prevention

• Preventing the Flu - American Academy of Family Physicians
• Stopping the Spread of Germs at Home, Work and School - CDC
• Good Flu Health Habits - American Lung Association
• Flu Prevention - Mayo Clinic
• Clean your hands - Mayo Clinic
• What to do for Colds and Flu - FDA (easy-to-read)
• Flu Facts - Nemours Foundation
• Flu Season - OSF HealthSteps Magazine
• Three Things You Can Do to Prevent Infection - American Hospital Association

Vaccinations

• 2004-2005 Flu Vaccine Shortage - current information from the CDC
• Who Should Get Vaccinated - CDC
• FluMist: No more flu shots? - Mayo Clinic
• Questions and Answers About the Flu Shot - CDC
• Is the Flu Vaccine a Good Idea for Your Family - Nemours Foundation

Treatment

• Tips for Treating the Flu - Nemours Foundation
• Flu and Colds: Tips on Feeling Better - American Academy of Family Physicians
• Flu Survivor's Guide - WebMD