ST. CLOUD -  Flu season is in full swing to start 2014. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, 144 flu related hospitalizations took place in the state during the first week of the new year.

Julie Anderson is a doctor with the St. Cloud Medical group, she says that if you come down with the flu, one of the best things you can do is stay at home.

Anderson adds that the majority of flu hospitalizations involve the H1N1 strain, which is included in this years flu shot.

You can help protect yourself from getting sick by getting a flu shot, washing your hands often, getting plenty of sleep, and avoiding other sick people.

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