HRATA - According to Grant County Health Officer Dr. Alexander Brzezny, the flu season has arrived in Grant County.

Local healthcare providers are reporting an increase in the number of patients being seen for flu-like symptoms and an increase in positive flu tests.

This is supported by the Washington State Department of Health Public Health Laboratory, which has reported positive flu tests in Washington State.

The Health District urges flu shots as soon as possible for all residents six months and older. There is no shortage of flu vaccine, the health district said, and it is widely available through clinics, pharmacies, and at the Moses Lake Health District office.

Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea.

People with the flu can make others sick one day before symptoms appear and up to five days after symptoms begin.

If you are sick, please stay home, Brezezny suggests.

Use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and throw it away.

It is very important to wash your hands often. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers work well when soap and warm water are not available.

If you're sick with flu-like sickness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, unless you need to leave to receive medical care. If your healthcare provider prescribes antiviral medicine finish the entire prescription.

Infants are at an increase risk for flu, caregivers who are sick should wear a mask to reduce the risk of getting the infant sick with the flu.