Every year, health-care providers implore the community to get a flu vaccine to protect themselves, their friends and families, and their coworkers. This year, with our economy, area businesses, schools and healthcare entities already so impacted by COVID-19, the flu vaccine might be more important than ever.

While we all love that fall brings us football, pumpkins and an opportunity to finally make gumbo, it also is the start of cold and flu season. While the children are getting back to school and back into a routine, this is always the best time of year to remind ourselves about how to stay healthy year-round.