BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — Flu season is in full swing across Louisiana, and health officials urge residents to take steps to protect themselves. Doctors emphasize that getting a flu shot remains the best defense against the virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Louisiana and Washington, D.C., are currently experiencing the highest levels of flu activity in the U.S. as of Dec. 7. Health experts recommend washing your hands frequently, staying home if you feel sick, and avoiding large gatherings to help prevent the spread of the flu. "The flu typically presents with symptoms like cough, sore throat, fever, and body aches," said Dr. Olivia Ragusa of Baton Rouge General. "However, we’re also seeing cases involving nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, so the range of symptoms is quite broad this season." It’s not too late to get your flu shot, which is widely available at pharmacies and clinics across Louisiana. Flu vaccines drop among kids despite record deaths last year: CDC Latest News Alleged would-be Trump assassin faces new charge in accident that nearly killed child: Florida authorities Former New Orleans priest receives life sentence in child sex crimes case Louisiana 'ATM saw bandit' arrested in Texas Young Americans richer than ever, sense ‘economic fragility’: Report Louisiana patient has first severe bird flu case in US: health officials