Even though spring has sprung, the flu is hanging around. Don’t think you’re off the hook yet, because the flu is still going around. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the timing of flu is very unpredictable and can vary in different parts of the country and from season to season. Flu activity can begin as early as October and continue to occur as late as May. “The flu is still going on and allergies are also a big problem now,” said Saluda Trail Middle School Nurse Bailey. “The flu is a bad virus, with two types, A type and B type,” she added. According to the South Carolina DHEC, some of the symptoms of the flu include a high fever (usually over 100 degrees), a cough or sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, headaches and body aches, chills, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Nurse Bailey says there are many ways to prevent the flu and Wildcats should continue to do so. One way is washing your hands. When you wash your hands, the water and soap will kill bacteria that could cause the flu. Another way is covering your mouth and nose. When you cover your mouth, it will keep the virus from going airborne. A third way is to get the flu vaccine. The flu can take a week or two to go away. Those contracting the flu, including Saluda Trail’s Home Arts teacher, said they felt horrible. “[The Symptoms] came on very fast,” said Mrs. East. “It [the flu] was bad; it was very painful,” she added.