The data are in and are not encouraging: this is a harsh season for the flu virus and anyone who comes down with it. This year’s H3N2 virus causes many deaths, rapidly mutates, and the vaccine in place to prevent it is less effective than past years. For more info on this year’s strain, Read Here. Seniors are especially vulnerable, and are at much higher risk of pneumonia and serious illness if they contract the flu. If you think you’re safe because you typically have a healthy immune system, that may help, though seniors are at more risk as your immune system declines with age. And even if you’ve already gotten the flu, you could still come down with it again this season. So what can you do? Consumer Reports has a major article detailing steps to take to fight off cold and flu season this year. Check out the report Here. And The MedShadow Foundation has a comprehensive piece on ways to protect yourself and remedies available should you come down with a major cold or flu. Read the advice Here. And take care out there.