Although fall is usually associated with school openings, football season, and the changing leaves, it also brings an unwanted guest—the flu.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year.

The Dallas County Health Department will be offering flu vaccinations for the public this season.

“We anticipate that we will get our vaccine in early September, and we plan to host flu clinics for the public sometime in mid to late December,” said Stacey Adams, public information officer for the Dallas County Health Department.

Dates for the clinic have not been released yet, but Adams said that information should be available soon.

In Alabama, flu outbreaks usually occur between November and March. Common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, headache and fatigue. For most people, the flu only lasts a few days, but for others it can lead to pneumonia and breathing problems, Adams said. In children, it can cause high fever and seizures.

Adams stressed the importance of basic hygiene in preventing the flu.

“Hand washing is so critical,” Adams said. “Also covering your cough and sneezes is important so you don’t spread it to others.”

According to the CDC, children younger than five years of age and adults older than 65 are especially advised to receive the vaccination. Everyone over six months of age should get the vaccination though.

“Every year on average in the United States, 36,000 people die from influenza,” Adams said. “And if there’s a way of increasing your chance of preventing getting the flu, then you should.”

Medicare recipients, state employees and dependents covered by SEIB or PEEHIP (state employee or teacher) should present their cards at registration for the vaccine. Once citizens receive the vaccine, they are protected for the entire season.

For more information on the vaccine and when it will be available, contact the Dallas County Health Department at 874-2550.