Flu season: Shots still available

According to the Centers for Disease Control, this year's flu season is getting worse. You may have noticed more of your co-workers or classmates coming down with the illness recently.

The CDC reports that infections from an unexpected strain have been booming, and now that string is the main agent behind most of the nation's lab-confirmed flu cases. This year's flu vaccine doesn't work against this particular strain.

The CDC isn't sounding off any alarms. The number of reported flu cases and flu deaths is similar to last year.

Some clinics are still giving flu shots. It would be a good idea to get one. In 16 of the last 19 years, scientists have concocted correctly anticipated what strains would be problematic, and a shot would protect you against those strains.

It's also a good time to remember basic preventive measures such as covering your mouth when you cough, washing your hands several times a day and staying home when you're running a fever.