Unless you've been out of the country or separated from the rest of the human race for the last month or so, you're undoubtedly well aware of the influenza outbreak that has descended on this state and most of the country.

If you haven't succumbed already to its telltale symptoms, you're probably finding yourself surrounded by coughing and hacking fellow employees. If you're a parent, you've probably been faced with that daunting decision of whether to send your feverish, sniffly children to school, or to keep them home and possibly miss a day of work.

Don't worry, you're not alone. From the nightly network news to pronouncements by Boston Mayor Tom "Public-Health Emergency" Menino, every imaginable media outlet has done its best to inform or scare everyone into believing this outbreak is the worst scourge to occur since the swine flu epidemic of 2009.

But please, keep this medical crisis in perspective. While this potent flu strain has arrived sooner than most of its predecessors, according to those whose job it is to know, the vaccine on hand to combat it is effective and plentiful. So it certainly makes sense to spend the small amount of money it takes to inoculate yourself against its debilitating effects. But be warned, even the most effective vaccine can't guarantee you'll escape flu-free.

And if you're already suffering, medications like Tamiflu have been reported to be effective against this season's strain.

But we're not downplaying the obvious dangers. This flu, which has already accounted for 18 deaths in Massachusetts alone, is particularly dangerous for our senior citizens. They are more susceptible to complications, like pneumonia, that can lead to grave results.

Hospitals, which have been overwhelmed by people looking for relief, should only be serving those -- like our elders -- who truly need their services. Remember, doctors and nurses are human, too, and also can be felled by the flu.

For most healthy people, following these time-tested treatments, as described by Pawtucket Pharmacy owner Bob Audet, will soon have you back on your feet.

"Someone with influenza basically needs plenty of fluids, maybe some aspirin or Tylenol for the pain. Bottom line: You feel awful, but most people can fend it off."

So just hang there. This flu, too, shall pass.