Every flu season the general public is encouraged to get an annual flu vaccine. And, each year a large segment of the population ignores this good advice. One reason given by people who avoid a flu vaccine is that the flu is "not that serious." Perhaps they recall having a mild case of flu in the past, or believe flu is no worse than a bad cold. Unfortunately, this is simply not the case. The flu can be both deadly and unpredictable. Even healthy young adults may find themselves suddenly seriously ill or even hospitalized from complications stemming from influenza. Health experts agree that getting a flu vaccine is the best way to prevent the spread of the flu virus.

For more than two decades, FFF Enterprises, the nation's largest and most trusted distributor of flu vaccine, has promoted the safety and effectiveness of flu vaccine when it comes to fighting flu. FFF has made a mission out of "helping healthcare care," which includes protecting people from the deadly complications associated with the flu virus.

Flu season is almost here and many healthcare providers are already ordering vaccine and making plans for fall flu clinics. Employer groups, too, are making it easy for people to get their flu vaccine at work, eliminating one more excuse people may have for skipping their vaccination.

Getting an annual flu vaccine protects you from the flu virus, and has the added benefit of protecting those you interact with. Loved ones and coworkers all benefit when you make the smart decision to get an annual flu vaccine.

In past flu seasons, there has been confusion about flu shot recommendations, with some thinking only high risk individuals like pregnant women and seniors should be vaccinated. All that has changed since expanded flu vaccination guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urge everyone aged six months and older to get a flu vaccine. The reason is simple: Flu vaccine saves lives.

For the 2011-2012 vaccination season, the flu vaccine immunizes against three virus strains including the H1N1 pandemic strain, providing even greater incentives to get vaccinated. There is also a high-dose vaccine formulated specifically for those aged 65 and over. Seniors are in a high risk group when it comes to flu complications, so having a flu vaccine exclusively for them is welcome news.

Each year the flu kills more people than all vaccine-preventable diseases combined – it's not just the flu! The easiest and most effective way to begin turning that statistic around is for everyone to get an annual flu vaccine.