If all that hacking and sneezing you're hearing makes you wonder if something's going around, you're right.

"We're in the virus season," said Dr. Del Morris of Modesto. "We're seeing a lot of upper respiratory infections."

So far, health workers in the Northern San Joaquin Valley are mainly seeing run-of-the-mill cold cases. The more serious flu virus hasn't arrived yet.

But health workers are urging people to take preventive measures now to protect themselves from the flu.

The best defense is the flu shot and there's still time to get one, according to David Jones, public information officer for the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency.

The shot doesn't prevent the flu the first two weeks, so it's better to get it now.

The difference between the common cold and the flu is the severity of symptoms. With the flu, you will experience muscle aches along with fever, cough and congestion.

In this area, flu season usually doesn't hit full stride until January or February, Morris said. Respiratory infections increase when people are gathered in groups, he said.

More colds are reported at the beginning of the school year and after Thanksgiving and Christmas.

One of the best ways to guard against illness is to use common sense, such as frequently washing your hands, said Shari Lowe, chairwoman of nurses for Modesto City Schools.

"Take time to practice the basic principles of health," she said.

To get a flu shot, call your primary health provider. Those without health insurance should call their county public health department. In Stanislaus County, call 558-4818; in San Joaquin County, call 468-3400; in Merced County, call 385-7710; in Tuolumne County, call 536-2644; in Calaveras County, call 754-6460.

Reprinted by permission of Modesto Bee.