Fall is here. Lovely things will soon be floating through the air. Beautifully colored leaves. The scent of pumpkin pie. The flu virus.
 
Ewwwww. We hate the flu. Don't you? As fun as it is to watch Seinfeld reruns while wrapped up in 14 layers of clothes and blankets, we'd rather spend our days here at Socket.
 
So we unleash the power of our favorite secret weapon. The Internet. 
 
The Web is a great resource for educating and protecting yourself so you can steer clear of the flu. There are all kinds of informative websites and resources available to keep you healthy, so take advantage of them!
 
For starters, check out the websites of local pharmacies to find out where and when you can get a flu shot. Many pharmacies accept walk-in requests for the vaccine, but others conduct clinics on specific dates.
 
If you forget your flu shot (or if you're one of those stubborn people who think they don't need one), you should be aware of flu symptoms. Read up on WebMD or Flu Facts so you'll be able to identify possible flu symptoms and distinguish them from the common cold or other viruses.
 
The Web can also provide a quick refresher course on flu prevention tips. Check out this list from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a good overview of the basics.
 
And if the unthinkable happens and you do get the flu, understand the limitations of the Web. Even though a wealth of health information is available online, there is no substitute for a personal relationship with your doctor.
 
Use websites to evaluate minor symptoms and educate yourself on some things you might want to discuss with your doctor. But don't diagnose yourself or evaluate serious symptoms with a computer.
 
Stay healthy this flu season!