Which arm? Its flu-shot time again
Posted on Wednesday, November 7, 2007
The Arkansas Department of Health is preparing for the 2007-08 flu season by dispensing nearly 250, 000 flu vaccines.
A number of these vaccines will be administered to local residents free of charge from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9, at the Bentonville Health Unit, 1202 S. W. 14 th St., said Ed Barham, ADH public information officer.
The vaccines are part of a local mass dispensing project, in which free shots will be distributed at 81 county health units throughout the state from Nov. 7-10, Barham said.
For those unable to attend the event, vaccines will also be available for around $ 20 at local doctors'offices, health units and various other locations, he said.
Area veterans can receive free flu shots by bringing their Veterans Affairs card to Bella Vista Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 341 on Saturday, Nov. 10, from 8 a.m. until noon. The post is located at 103 Veterans Way, near the Wall of Honor by Lake Bella Vista.
Residents are encouraged to get vaccinated against the influenza virus before it becomes a problem, said James Phillips, ADH Infectious Disease Branch chief, in a press release.
"Even though we have no confirmed positive cultures of influenza in the state yet, we want people to go ahead now and get a flu shot, because the vaccine takes 10 days to two weeks or more to provide adequate protection from the flu."
In fact, now is the perfect time for one to receive vaccination, Barham noted. Getting a vaccine during the months of October and November will allow the body's immune system to reach its full strength by December, which is typically the start of the flu season, he explained.
Residents of nursing homes and other chroniccare facilities; and Any adults or children who have conditions that may affect respiratory functions.
People who live with or care for individuals at high risk for influenza-related complications are also encouraged to get vaccinated, according to the release.
Symptoms of the flu are similar but are generally more severe than that of the common cold, according to the Center of Disease Control's Web site, www. cdc. gov / flu. The influenza virus can be transmitted through coughing and sneezing.
More than 200, 000 people in the U. S. are hospitalized each year and about 36, 000 die due to flu-related complications, according to the CDC's Web site. For more information about flu prevention, go online or call (800 ) 232-6348.
The flu is a sickness of the nose, throat and lungs caused by strains of the influenza virus, according to the health department. Receiving annual immunizations against the flu, either by the common needle injection or the newer nasal spray vaccine, can reduce the chance of catching the illness by 70 to 90 percent, according to the department's news release.
Vaccines are recommended for individuals at high risk for contracting the flu, including the following All people 50 years of age or older Children between 6 months and 5 years old;
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