KAAL

Flu season is back and experts say vaccines offer the best method to prevent the spread of the virus. For about six months the flu virus travels from homes to schools, to the workplace, and in more severe cases in the hospital. "Anybody who is less than two years old, if it's an older sibling we'll get them tested because we want to prevent the baby from getting influenza. So especially those people who have little ones at home we want them to be evaluated if older siblings have symptoms," said Dr. Francesca McCutcheon with Mayo Clinic Health System.

Reach: KAAL-TV is the ABC affiliate for the Rochester, MN - Mason City, IA, market. The station is owned by Hubbard Broadcasting Inc.

Context: Francesca McCutcheon, M.D. is a Mayo Clinic Health System pediatric & adolescent medicine physician. Influenza is a viral infection that attacks your respiratory system — your nose, throat and lungs. Influenza is commonly called the flu, but it's not the same as stomach "flu" viruses that cause diarrhea and vomiting. You can learn more about the flu here.

Contact:  Rick Thiesse

Tags: Dr. Francesca McCutcheon, flu, Influenza, KAAL, Mayo Clinic Health System, Uncategorized