The Chester County Health Department recommends the flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older.

Updated at 1 p.m. to add information on new flu-vaccine clinic

On the maps compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which tracks confirmed cases of the flu, areas depicted in solid brown signify “widespread activity” – a color that now dominates the country.

In response to the widespread outbreak, the Chester County Health Department has some advice that begins with getting a flu shot. Even though the protection generally doesn’t kick in for  about two weeks, officials said it is not too late to get the vaccine, which is recommended for everyone 6 months and older.

The Health Department announced Friday that it has scheduled a flu-vaccine clinic on Monday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., in addition to its regular walk-in clinic.  For more information, visit www.chesco.org/health.

Other tips to avoid the flu include washing hands frequently with soap or an alcohol-based rub, refraining from touching eyes, nose or mouth, which can spread germs; covering nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing; and avoiding contact with sick people.

The Health Department also recommends maintaining healthy habits through good diet and exercise to improve resistance. And if efforts to stay flu-free fail, stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever subsides on its own, not as a result of fever-reducing medication.