If you or someone you know has been feeling under the weather lately, you’re not alone. Flu season on the island is in full swing—and we’re speaking to one local health expert who tells us what’s different this time around.

Whether you’re at school, work, or out with family and friends, it may seem like everyone’s come down with the flu, and some are even calling it the worst they’ve ever had. And according to Department of Public Health chief medical officer Dr. Bob Leon Guerrero, there may be some truth to that. “I was just checking with our stats with our people at Public Health, and supposedly, this is our worst flu season for over 30-plus years," he stated.

Guam’s flu season usually runs from August through November. Dr. Leon Guerrero says the island saw the H1N1 strain earlier this year, which isn’t unusual, and now, another strain is making its rounds. “Now, we’re seeing the strain that is the H3," he confirmed.

He says the symptoms are typical — runny nose, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, body aches, and headaches — but this season, they’re hitting harder than usual. To help protect yourself and others, Dr. Leon Guerrero urges the public to stick to the basics: “Wear the mask, wash your hands, and typical things like that–and then of course, get the flu vaccine.”

And while the vaccine may not prevent the flu entirely, he says it can make a big difference — reducing the severity and duration of the illness. And as the season begins to taper off toward the end of November, Dr. Leon Guerrero reminds everyone to keep up these healthy habits, especially as we head into the holidays and spend more time with loved ones.