Flu is here, and it’s widespread. Get vaccinated.

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It’s official: the flu is more widespread than Bieber fever.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the flu is widespread throughout most of the U.S. and case counts have been increasing. Serious influenza activity was reported in 46 states and Puerto Rico as of Feb. 11, says CDC’s weekly FluView report.

From October to mid-February, more than 8,222 people had been hospitalized in the U.S. because of the flu. Tragically, at least 29 children have died from flu this season. The flu can cause serious illness in children under 5 and adults over age 65, as well as pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions. But, just like Bieber’s sweet jams, everyone is susceptible.

Annual vaccinations are the best way to prevent flu and its complications. Yearly flu shots are recommended for everyone ages 6 months or older, so if you’re not a baby — baby,baby, baby, ohhhhh — then ask your doctor or local pharmacist about getting a flu vaccine.

For this flu season, CDC recommends that your vaccine come in the form of the flu shot. The nasal spray flu vaccine shouldn’t be used this year, because it wasn’t shown to be effective.

It might be too late now to say sorry, but it’s not too late to get your flu shot and protect yourself, your family and your community from the flu! 

Share the preparedness love with our new Get Ready Valentine’s Day e-cards

APHA’s Get Ready campaign has 13 new preparedness-themed Valentine’s Day e-cards for you to share with the people you love! From cute and fuzzy animals to fun memes, there’s a card for everyone in our new lineup.

Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to raise awareness about emergency preparedness. Whether it’s for a buddy or your significant other, they will appreciate knowing you care about their health and happiness because that, THAT is real love.

Plus you get brownie points for something that takes just a few minutes — a win, win.

You can email, tweet or post them to Facebook — or even print them out. Just visit our Valentine’s Day e-card page, pick your favorites and spread some awareness and love!  

Take on winter safety this year with our new infographic

Winter can be tough. You’re coping with holiday stress, hoarding lip balm and navigating every public transportation ride like it’s an obstacle course for your immune system.

Sadly, these colder months also come with other serious side effects. Every year, dozens of Americans die and thousands are injured because of winter weather. Winter storms can also be costly: In 2015, winter storms cost U.S. property owners $530 million in damage. 

While weather conditions can’t be controlled, the toll it takes on you and your community can. That’s where our new Get Ready infographic comes in. Live now on our website, the graphic offers key tips for staying safe before, during and after a winter storm.

For example, did you know it’s important to winterize your car before a storm occurs? About 70 percent of winter storm deaths are car-related. Reduce your risk and check your car’s battery, brakes, anti-freeze, gas tank and heater before heading out.

If you own a home, it’s also a good idea to insulate your home’s water lines, check heating systems and install battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors.

And don’t forget to stock up on emergency supplies both before and after the storm. Fill your emergency supply kit with water, food, first-aid items, flashlights, batteries, medications and other necessities.

Check out our winter storms infographic now and share it with someone you care about.

And while you’re on our site, check out our other Get Ready infographics. They’re perfect for sharing on your website, via social media and at community events.