Missy Predmore, infection control nurse at Conway Regional Health System, said health officials initially thought the flu epidemic might be severe this year. ÒNow they feel it wonÕt be that bad,Ó she said. Last year, the Conway Regional lab confirmed its first case of influenza in late September. ÒItÕs late October and weÕve not seen one come through our lab. IÕm hoping thatÕs a good sign.Ó ThatÕs good news because almost half of the nationÕs flu vaccine will not be delivered this year. Many individuals Ð adults as well as children Ð who have had flu shots in the past will not have access to them this year. Existing flu vaccine supplies are being given to help protect people who are at greatest risk from serious complication from influenza disease, including the elderly and young children ages 6 to 23 months.

In light of the vaccine shortage, many individuals are considering other steps that can be taken to stay healthy and reduce the risk of getting the flu. The most important preventative measure is simple and easy - wash your hands. In addition to frequent washings, Predmore said it is important for adults and children to avoid contaminating their hands by not coughing or sneezing into them. Everyone is encouraged to instead use a tissue, an upper sleeve or the front of their clothing. ÒIf we would all do that, it would help,Ó she said. When individuals wash their hands they remove germs that have been picked up from other people, from contaminated surfaces or from animals. If hand washing is neglected, an individual can transfer those germs internally by touching their eyes, nose or mouth.

One of the most common ways people catch colds is by rubbing their nose or their eyes after their hands have been contaminated with the cold virus. Germs can also be spread directly to others or onto surfaces that other people touch.

Hands should be washed often because germs cannot be seen or smelled. It is especially important to wash hands: