People magazine is reporting that Janet Jackson recently visited the Emergency Department at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. She did not have to be admitted to the hospital but was treated for "flu-like symptoms" according to her representative.

So it seems fame and fortune can't protect you against everything. I wish her a very speedy recovery as I know how difficult it can be to cope with those flu symptoms.

Most people don't need to visit the Emergency Room when they have the flu, but sometimes there are reasons to go, such as when you have difficulty breathing.

• How to Recognize a Medical Emergency

This has been a rough flu season in the United States for a variety of reasons. Unfortunately, the flu shot was not quite as effective as it usually is and there are some particularly severe strains of flu going around.

• 2007-2008 Flu Season
• How the Flu is Affecting Your State This Week

I hope that Ms. Jackson and all of you out there suffering with the flu right now get to feeling better soon.