Shoo the Flu

Plan Now to Reduce Your Risk This Season

Last spring’s Swine Flu (H1N1) scare has many people fearing the annual flu season more than they normally do.  While the flu typically comes to town in winter, flu shots are recommended now. Why? Your body needs a week or two to develop the immunity a flu shot provides. So getting the shot in the fall gives your immune system the time it needs to get ready for the bug.

Just about everyone can benefit from a flu shot, but people in the following groups are at high risk for serious and even deadly complications from the flu. These groups are encouraged to get a flu shot between now and mid-November:

• All children ages 6 months to 23 months.
• Adults ages 65 years and older.
• Anyone ages 2 to 64 with underlying chronic medical conditions.
• All women who will be pregnant during the influenza season.
• Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities.
• Children ages 6 months to 18 years on chronic aspirin therapy.
• Health care workers involved in direct patient care.
• Out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of children age less than 6 months.

Flu Shots are available throughout our region through the health department, individual physicians’ offices and a number of area retailers.