GULF SHORES, Ala. — With cooler weather comes the sniffles, coughs and colds. But be weary of the lurking flu virus.

This time every year, the media is sprawled with news of flu shots — where to get them or why you need them — and this year is no different.

Influenza vaccinations are the armor needed to get through the flu season, and the Alabama Department of Public Health is urging the public to protect themselves.

“An ample supply of influenza vaccine remains available this season,” Dr. Donald Williamson, state health officer, said. “Influenza usually peaks during the months of January and February in Alabama, so it’s not too late to be immunized.”

The flu virus is a communicable disease and is spread easiest through coughing or sneezing.

It can also be contracted by touching something that has the virus on it and then touching your nose or mouth.

The virus can spread from one day before a person experiences symptoms up to five days after the virus has developed. This means a person could infect another before they know they are sick and while they are sick.

The holidays call for numerous people to be in close proximity, which can lead to a spread of influenza.

“It is also important to be protected from influenza during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays,” Williamson said.

While influenza can prove to be dangerous for the unhealthy or weak public, it is especially important that those labeled as high-risk get immunized.

The community will have an opportunity to get immunized on Dec. 4 at First Presbyterian Church of Gulf Shores. Hosted by Christian Service Center and Sacred Heart Healthy System’s Mission in Motion Team, the public can receive a free flu shot from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Coordinator of Community Wellness Outreach at Sacred Heart Cheryl Pilling said the clinic will be open to adults only because of the needed records to treat a child. Pregnant women should bring a note from their doctor approving the shot.

Adults, 50 years and older, should take the extra precaution by getting the shot.

“They are at a higher risk to become much more ill,” she said citing their low immune system as the reason.

More than 200,000 people are hospitalized annually and 36,000 die from influenza.

“It can be so deadly,” Pilling said. “We want a healthier community.”