Taking care of your health is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. Baylor College of Medicine experts have plenty of tips to help you stay healthy. This month’s Health Hint focuses on what’s expected this flu season and the importance of getting your influenza vaccine.

If last year’s active flu season and this year’s severe season in the Southern Hemisphere are indications of what flu season will look like across the country beginning this fall, then it’s important to get vaccinated soon against influenza. It’s always hard to predict what is going to happen, but people should be prepared. While no vaccine is 100 percent effective, it is very effective in preventing severe complications related to influenza, including hospitalization, pneumonia and even death.”

Dr. Robert Atmar, professor and interim chief of the section of infectious diseases

As a reminder, the flu vaccine is mandatory for all Baylor trainees and employees. You may get your vaccine from Baylor’s Occupational Health Program, from your own doctor or at a pharmacy or other healthcare clinic. Wherever you get your flu shot, you must verify that you received it by Nov. 30. Here are some important resources:

• Baylor College of Medicine flu policy
• OHP flu vaccine clinic calendar
• Online form to verify flu shot
• Flu FAQ
• Press release with Dr. Atmar