Posted: Mon 4:29 PM, Oct 15, 2007
Updated: Tue 6:20 AM, Oct 16, 2007

Flu Shots

With the winter months fast approaching, the time has again come for flu shots. The Center for Disease Control recommends the vaccinations as the most effective way to prevent the flu, especially for those most vulnerable.

Those at the greatest risk include:

  • Everyone over 50 or between the ages of 6 mos. and 5 years, as well as anyone who cares for those individuals.

  • Residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities.

  • Women who expect to be pregnant during influenza season

  • Health care providers

  • Adults and children who have a weakened immune system (due to HIV/AIDS, long term treatments with drugs such as steroids, cancer treatments, etc.); who have chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, or renal, hapatic, hematological or metabolic disorders; or who have certain muscle or nerve disorders that can compromise respiratory function or the handling of respiratory secretions.

  • Anyone who wants to reduce the liklihood of becoming ill or spreading influenza to others

    • According to Maxim Health Systems, as many of 65 million Americans either catch the flu or fall victim to flu-related complications. Of the nearly 200,000 are hospitalized and 36,000 die.

    Common side effects of flu shots, according to Stormont Vail Healthcare, include soreness or redness in the vicinity of the shot, which usually goes away after a few days . Other side effects, like fever and aches, are reportedly extremely rare and the risk of a severe reaction is less than 1 in 4 million.

    To find the most convenient flu shot for you just click on the clinic listed below.

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