Lisa Jarvis, Columnist

The Flu Is Trying to Ruin Your Holiday. Don’t Let It.

The perfect holiday gift for everyone — a flu shot. 

Photographer: Hugh Hastings/Getty Images Europe

As travelers wedge themselves into planes, trains and automobiles for holiday trips, there’s a good chance they’ll be joined by an unwanted passenger: a new flu strain that seems intent on derailing the season.

With flu cases in the US starting to take off, there are still some steps people can take to avoid — or at least lower the risk of — a miserable holiday. Chief among them: Get a flu shot. No, the vaccine isn’t a perfect match this year, but it can still help prevent severe illness and lessen the virus’ impact.