HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- With the frigid temperatures and the start of the new year, we're entering into the heart of cold and flu season.

It's that time of year when kids spread the flu bug back and forth. But just as many kids just finished their first day back at school on Monday, it wasn't so much about what's going around as it is what to look out for.

Folks at the Cabell Huntington Health Department say the focus in West Virginia is on the flu.

During October and November, there was a spike in flu cases as the swine flu made its way through our region, too. As of early January, there are less than 1,000 reported cases in the Mountain State

With the cold weather, health experts say there's a chance swine flu could make its rounds again at the start of the new year.

So, what can you do to protect against the flu? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has some tips that can keep you and your kids feeling fine. The first step is to get a flu vaccine. It's still not too late and, while there are many different flu viruses, the vaccine protects against the three that research suggests will be the most common.

Remember, though, that the regular flu vaccine does not cover the swine flu.

Secondly, take preventive actions, including covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. It's also very important to wash your hands often with soap and water.

Finally, if you feel like you're getting the flu, head to the doctor. They may prescribe you anti-viral medications to fight the virus from reproducing in your body.

It's important to get treated early -- before symptoms and the risk for complications increase.

Health officials in Ohio and Kentucky say: same thing goes there -- take the steps now to keep from getting sick when the flu comes back to our region for round two.