Now is the peak time for your annual flu shot.

These next few weeks are a beautiful time in Michigan as our fall colors begin to peak. Walking in nature has proven health benefits, so make the most of the sunny, mosquito-free days and check out all the fall foliage. And be sure to get your annual flu shot.

The CDC recommends that everyone ages six months and older get an annual flu shot. It remains your best defense against contracting the flu virus, and it needs to be administered annually to be most effective.

Getting a flu shot anytime each year is a good idea, but getting one right now is best. That’s because it takes a couple of weeks for the flu shot to help your body build up antibodies in your system, and flu season will commence shortly once our beautiful fall weather turns colder and we all retreat indoors.

IEP Urgent Care makes it easy and convenient for everyone in your family to get a flu shot. We are open evenings and weekends. You can schedule an appointment online, or simply walk in. We accept most insurance plans, and they are all listed on our website.

Once you have your flu shot, you still need to be careful. Here are the top tips to stay healthy during flu season:

Wash your hands often

Nothing can guard your health more than making sure that you and everyone in your family washes your hands completely and thoroughly throughout the day. Here's a short refresher on how to thoroughly wash your hands from the World Health Organization.

Try not to touch your face

Not touching your face is easier said than done, we know. But when you rub your eyes, scratch your nose, or touch your face or mouth, you are potentially transferring germs from your hands right into your body. And if you are not washing your hands often, your hands could be germier than you’d think.

Regularly clean the surfaces you touch the most

Doorknobs, light switches, kitchen surfaces, your phone and computer are all “high touch areas” that should be appropriately cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis.

Consider the fist bump

We love a good handshake and often greet friends and acquaintances in this fashion. But we also enjoy a good fist bump, a much healthier way to greet people. As a middle ground, maybe retire the handshake for the next six months, or at least use it less often. Keep in mind, even if you wash your hands regularly, it doesn’t mean everyone else does.