ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that the current flu season is the longest flu season in a decade.

St. Joseph County Department of Health provided information that said the current flu season began as expected but showed a peak in late March.

The CDC provided the following tips for helping to prevent the flu:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, or cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve rather than into your hands.

• Wash your hands after coughing, sneezing, using the toilet AND before eating.  Use soap and water or clean with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Stay home when you are sick.  It is best to avoid contact with others while you have symptoms of illness or a fever.

• Avoid close contact with others who are sick.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.  Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.

• Avoid visiting patients in the hospital while you are ill.  Patients may be more susceptible to illness, so it is best to minimize their exposure.

• Other good habits, including getting adequate rest, engaging in physical activity, managing stress, drinking water, and eating nutritious foods will help you stay healthy all year long.

The department encourages people to get vaccinated as soon as the flu season begins, around late September or early October. 

Those older than 65 years old should receive a more potent vaccine since the immune system can reportedly wane with age.

Those with questions can contact the Public Health Nursing Division at 574-235-9775 or the Immunization Clinic at 574-245- 6776.