BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — Thanksgiving is right around the corner — and Christmas isn't far behind. If you're planning to gather with family this holiday season, now's a good time to think about how to keep everyone healthy.

"The end of October, beginning of November is definitely when cold and cough season is officially here," said Dr. Kian Azimian.

Dr. Kian Azimian, an emergency room physician at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital, says this time of year the E.R. often sees a sharp rise in patients with the flu. Nationwide, up to 41 million Americans catch the virus each year, and as many as 51,000 die from it.

"With the flu, you're definitely looking at higher fevers, you know, the cough, the sore throat, muscle aches, and feeling really wiped out," Azimian said.

To decrease your risk

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