Bolstering supplies of respirator masks, Tamiflu, disposable face masks, extra gloves, gowns and face shields, West Georgia Health System stands ready for an active and unpredictable flu season.

Flu season, which typically runs from December through March, has hit early this year. Already the health system’s emergency department has seen increased traffic from patients exhibiting mild influenza or flulike symptoms - headache, fever and sore throats - but by all measures, the current flu season is typical so far. Fortunately, there is a lot residents can do to prepare for the flu season and boost their chances of staying healthy, officials said.

Emergency department director Randy Calhoun said one of the most important measures is not to panic over a cough or runny nose.

“Because of the media reports and uncertainty surrounding the novel H1N1 virus or swine flu, many believe the flu to be extremely dangerous and assume that emergency care is mandatory for anyone experiencing flulike symptoms,” Calhoun said. “But most cases of swine and seasonal flu never result in hospitalization and can be more effectively treated in other care settings.”

The emergency department has seen more than 200 patients with flulike symptoms in the past two weeks. Seventy-three have tested positive for flu. Calhoun said overcrowding by the “worried well,” can cause delays in care and limit access to those with true medical emergencies. He urged those experiencing flulike symptoms to contact their primary care physician at the earliest sign of symptoms.

The hospital has taken extra precautions to protect patients, families and staff with recent changes to its visitation policy.

“We are asking people who are sick not to visit their loved ones in the hospital at this time,” said infection control manager Bonnie Norrick. “We also ask that children 12 and younger not come to the hospital unless they are being treated. Flu is primarily spread person-to-person. This is the age group where the flu is most prevalent right now and we want to prevent any unnecessary risk to our patients, families, visitors or staff.”

Norrick said people can also help keep themselves healthy and prevent the spread of flu with several good personal hygiene habits:

— Keep hands clean. Wash your hands often and well. Use soap and water, washing for at least 20 seconds - long enough to hum the “Happy Birthday” song at least two times. Dry hands with a clean towel or paper towel. Or use an alcohol-based sanitizer, rubbing until hands are dry. Wash your hands after a cough or sneeze, after using the bathroom, before eating and after contact with someone who is ill.

— Cough and sneeze into a sleeve or tissue. Throw the tissue away after use and remember to wash your hands.

— Keep hands away from mouth, nose and eyes. Germs often are spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.

— Stay home when you are sick, especially when you have symptoms of the flu (fever, chills, cough, sore throat and muscle aches). Do not go to work, school or social events.

Norrick said anyone who wants to reduce the chances of getting the flu should get vaccinated for seasonal flu and the swine flu when the vaccine becomes available. The swine flu vaccine is especially important for people who are at high risk of developing flu-related complications.

This group includes pregnant women; people who live with or provide care for infants younger than 6 months; health care and emergency medical personnel; people ages 6 months -24 years; and those 25 to 64 who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications.

In addition to physician offices, Norrick said several area drug stores and pharmacies are administering flu shots. Residents may call their nearest location or check screening schedules online.

For updates on the this year’s seasonal flu, visit the health system’s Web site at www.wghs.org or the Center for Disease Control and Prevention Web site at: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/.