As a new strain of the influenza virus has started to spread across the country — killing four children in Colorado and infecting many in Texas last week — local medical resources are urging the public to prepare for possible infections.

Robert Palinkas, director of McKinley Health Center, said University students can get a free flu shot from the main clinic at 1109 S. Lincoln St. in Urbana from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. They can also go to the Health Resource Center in the Union from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. until Dec. 12 for a shot.

He said it is difficult to predict if or when the flu virus will spread to Illinois.

While the flu shot will not guarantee complete protection against the virus, he said it significantly reduces the chance of getting it. Also, it makes the contracted version easier to tolerate.

Bev Knapp, an employee health nurse at Carle Clinic, 602 W. University Ave., said the flu shot is the best way to protect oneself from the virus.

"You can't put yourself in a bubble against it," she said.

Already, Carle has seen an increase in people seeking the shot, administering 300 the day after Thanksgiving, compared to the 99 given the day after last year's holiday. To make up for the influx, the clinic has ordered about 6,000 more doses than it did last year, she said.

Michele MacLeod, a registered nurse at McKinley who is heading the outreach program, said McKinley has administered close to 12,000 shots so far this year, compared to recent years' averages of 10,000.

Palinkas said this year's flu season is particularly serious because it started earlier than it has in past years, and because of the new strain of influenza.

He said aside from the shot, students should maintain healthy daily activities such as eating a balanced diet and exercising.