Have You Had Your Flu Shot Yet?

With the approaching holiday season also comes the less festive time of year: the flu season. People age 65 and older are urged to get a flu shot, as well as infants and people with serious health problems. Anyone that has heart disease, diabetes, asthma, or a lowered immune response due to HIV or AIDs should get a flu shot to be on the safe side. Generally, the best time to get a flu shot is either in October or November, but you can still get them in December and January.

If you have Medicaid or Medicare often there is not cost out of pocket for your flu shot. You usually have to pre-register for a clinic to receive the free shot, but flu shot clinics are offered in numerous sites throughout every county in every state. Check at the local county building, church, school, or hospital to find a flu clinic near you. Free shots are almost always available for seniors because they are especially high risk.

You can also locate a flu shot clinic near you by logging onto the American Lung Associations Flu Clinic Locator, found on their website at http://www.flucliniclocator.org. You can find a clinic anywhere in the country on this website simply by searching your zip code.

Plenty of flu shots are available this year so there is no need to worry about not being able to get one. If you don’t get a flu shot and feel you are susceptible follow these precautions:

• Wash your hands often.
• Don't touch your nose, eyes, or mouth with dirty hands.
• Stay away from sick people
• Live healthy - drink lots of water, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, and get plenty of sleep and exercise to keep your body and immune system strong throughout the entire flu season.