Flu season is officially here in Virginia, and the state is seeing significantly higher number of flu cases as compared to last year, according to the Virginia Department of Health.

To help prevent the flu in people who are at high risk for severe complications, the American Lung Association and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia released a toolkit specifically for caregivers of adults 65 and over through their “Fend Off Flu” campaign.

Influenza (flu) is a serious, highly contagious disease that can have severe health consequences for all, especially vulnerable adults 65 and older, and those with chronic health conditions. The new toolkit is a resource to educate caregivers including health care providers and personnel in long-term care settings about the flu and the importance of vaccination to protect adults 65 and older.

“Nationally, 50-70 percent of flu hospitalizations were in patients over 65. Everyone over the age of 6 months should get a flu shot, as it can...