The flu season is lasting a lot longer this year than it usually does and the Door County Department of Public Health has suggestions for protecting yourself and others from it. February is when flu season usually peaks but state epidemiologists are saying it could last through the end of April. Door County Department of Public Health Manager Sue Powers says there are a few ways to protect yourself from the flu. The best way is to get the seasonal flu vaccine and it’s not too late to get it.

Powers suggests coughing or sneezing into a sleeve or tissue, washing your hands with soap and water, and staying home from work or school if you’re feeling sick. She added that while this flu season has lasted longer, there have still been fewer hospitalizations this year compared to last year. A boy in southern Wisconsin died last week from the flu.