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We’ve written it before, and unfortunately, we’ll probably write it again, but the flu is going around.

That’s never been more clear than this past week, when East Alabama Medical Center and EAMC-Lanier placed visitor restrictions on all floors of the hospital. Restrictions had already been in place for the childbirth unit.

As of last week, there had been a total of 233 confirmed cases of the flu in the EAMC and EAMC-Lanier emergency departments and 26 patients had flu or flu-like symptoms and were hospitalized between the two hospitals, according to a news release from the hospital.

We recommend that everyone get a flu shot, as it’s the best way to stay protected from influenza. While the shot does vary in how effective it is each year, it’s still extra protection.

If you get the flu, it’s important to see a doctor and then stay home and rest to help stop the spread of germs.

Going to work or going out in public only helps spread the illness to others, possibly causing a more severe outbreak.

To avoid getting sick, it’s recommended that you wash your hands thoroughly and use hand sanitizer.

The flu can be deadly. Do your part to avoid getting sick and to avoid spreading the illness.