This week is National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW), a national observance that was established to highlight the importance of continuing influenza vaccination. During this busy time of year, no one has time for the flu. Influenza hits the workplace every year and is extremely contagious. If infected, many adults may be able to infect other people beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick. Children may pass the virus for longer than 7 days. Symptoms may start 1 to 4 days after the virus enters the body. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Some people can be infected with the flu virus but have no symptoms. During this time, those persons may still spread the virus to others. If you have already came down with the flu, it's important that you stay home and rest for your safety and also so others don't become infected. If you have been pretty healthy, be sure to stay that way and get a flu shot. Who wants to spend the holidays with the flu anyway?