Brendan J. Lyons is reporting for the Times Union Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed an order January 25, allowing children between the ages of 2 and 18 to receive flu shots from pharmacists. The governor's office said parents of children between the ages of 6 months and 2 years are still encouraged to see their primary care provider for the vaccination. Cuomo's decision was prompted by a catastrophic flu season that has seen more than 25,000 cases documented across the state, including nearly 8,000 confirmed in the past week alone. Tips for stopping the spread of the virus and limiting exposure, include: Wash your hands often with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds to protect yourself from germs and avoid spreading them to others. Carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to use when soap and water are not available. Choose a product with at least 60 percent alcohol. And do not cough or sneeze into your hands. Instead, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue. People with the flu are infectious for up to seven days after symptoms begin. Read the full story in the Times Union.