The cliche statement, "Take two aspirin and call your doctor," has a new ring this flu season.

On Friday, Weather.com launched their 2004 National Flu Report.

With the increased threat of illness this season due to the vaccine shortage, risk assessment and prevention are more important than ever. Americans can now monitor the severity of flu in their area by visiting:

The weekly report, which debuted in 2001, typically serves one million monthly pageviews each month during the height of the flu season.

The report offers:

An update, each week, of the flu cases reported both nationwide and state-by-state (source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Cold Facts

Flu Facts - a primer on the virus:

Influenza, or the flu, is a respiratory infection caused by a variety of flu viruses. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 35 to 50 million Americans come down with the flu during each flu season, which typically lasts from November to March. Children are two to three times more likely than adults to get sick with the flu, and children frequently spread the virus to others. Although most people recover from the illness, CDC estimates that in the United States more than 100,000 people are hospitalized and about 36,000 people die from the flu and its complications every year.

The Latest Recommendations

Travelers' Questions About Influenza at Home & Abroad

Cold & Flu Weather Maps which check on low temperatures, wind chills and more.

Influenza activity estimates, as reported by each state health department.

Weekly reports are published about 10-12 days after the "week ending" date, due to the time required to compile national data.

For instance, the week ending October 16th reports virtually "no activity" in all but ten states. In that same timeframe, California, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Texas, Michigan, Illinois, New York and New Hampshire reported "sporadic" activity. No states reported "local activity," "regional activity" or "widespread activity," at this time.

Zila Nutraceuticals, exclusive sponsor of weather.com's report, stated "With this online resource now available to help consumers monitor and stay ahead of outbreaks, the next important step is to seek additional ways to boost the immune system."

"Vitamin C is a proven immune system booster," said Vern Cherewatenko, MD. "With what appears to be a severe flu vaccine shortage this year, for many individuals, prevention will be the number one tool to stay healthy this year. Taking vitamins is one of the best ways to do this -- and vitamin C is at the top of the list."

Dr. Cherewatenko recommends that teens and adults take 500 - 1000
milligrams of vitamin C daily, in a buffered form of the vitamin that is
non-acidic such as Ester-C. "I take Ester-C daily and recommend the same to my patients," he added.

Cherewatenko also recommends getting plenty of rest and fluids.

This season, take Ester-C and check The Flu Report.

Inspire & Be Inspired (R).

Here's to healthy, adventuresome, soulful, flu-free living!

~ Jennifer Carolyn King