Flu seasons are unpredictable and can vary from season to season. The timing, severity and length of the epidemic depend on many factors, including what influenza viruses are spreading and whether they match the viruses in the vaccine.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone as the first and most important step in protecting against this serious disease.

Maxium Health (an outside organization that comes to campus every year) will be on Millersville University’s campus October 6, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Gerhart Hall (22 E. Frederick St.) to administer the flu vaccine. For more information, contact Millersville University’s Health Services Office at 717-872-3250 or visits the health services website, http://www.millersville.edu/healthservices/index.php.

According to the CDC, in addition to getting an annual flu shot, you can take everyday preventive steps like staying away from sick people and washing your hands to reduce the spread of germs. If you are sick with flu, stay home from work or school to prevent spreading influenza to others.