BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- The Jefferson County Department of Health said the county has moved from a low to moderate flu transmission level.
With holiday travel and gatherings coming up, the department and physicians said the number one way to stay safe is to get vaccinated. Outside of that, they recommend washing your hands, watching out for symptoms and avoiding contact with someone who is sick.
“Avoiding touching our nose, our eyes, our mouth, to avoid those germs, making sure we are washing our hands regularly and often, and cleaning and disinfecting those surfaces we touch very often,” said Devon Sims, the disease intervention program manager at the health department.
Sims said the rise is cases is normal for this time of year. Emergency room and doctor's office visits for the flu have gone up in the past few weeks.
“We typically see an increase in December, and we also typically see some smaller peaks in January, February and March,” Sims said.
Dr. David Marotta, a physician at American Family Care, said the best way to stay healthy is by getting vaccinated. It can also help protect those you are around.
“To stimulate the immune response to provide protection, or if you are around people who are sick during the holidays it can prevent you from becoming sick,” Marotta said.
Marotta said there are also other steps to take to stay healthy.
“Hydrate," Marotta said. "Also avoid contact if you are having symptoms, loved ones, patients who are elderly, 65 years and older."
The Jefferson County Department of Health said getting vaccinated is easy. You can contact your primary care doctor or visit your local pharmacy to receive a shot.