If you’re sick, stay home. Cough into your elbow. And wash those hands.

That’s the best way to avoid getting sick during the worst time of year for the flu, said Colleen Keefe, Island County’s communicable disease coordinator.

“I’m a big advocate of washing your hands all day long,” she said.

Both Whidbey General Hospital and Naval Hospital Oak Harbor are reporting an increase in confirmed flu cases, said naval hospital spokesman Trish Rose.

It’s hard to pinpoint exact numbers because some doctor’s offices don’t test for the flu — they just treat the illness.

Those that do test aren’t required to report confirmed flu cases to the county unless there is a death, although Keefe said she does hear reports from clinics and hospitals.

What she’s hearing is the flu is not as bad as it was in the past few years. Part of that might be because of an aggressive effort to vaccinate personnel at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, she said.

If you haven’t gotten a flu shot, it’s not too late to get one, she said. And you should. Flu cases are expected to continue to increase.

Just to dispel one myth — you cannot get the flu from the flu shot, Keefe said.

Flu is a serious contagious disease that affects people of all ages. It can cause mild to severe illness and in some cases lead to hospitalization and death.

Symptoms may include fever, chills, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headaches and fatigue.