As flu season begins, officials encourage families to vaccinate

“Given my cardiac history, I’m now surprised I took that chance”. The office is open weekdays, 8 a.m. -4:30 p.m., and can be contacted at 865-453-1032. The next costliest disease was pneumonia, which cost the health system $1.86 billion in 2015.

The 1957-58 Asian Flu pandemic killed 69,800 Americans, a lot of them elderly. This clinic will be limited to Decatur County residents. Flu shots are also available through medical providers and at some area grocery stores and pharmacies. The Health Center’s goal this year is to give out as many shots as they possibly can.

Myth: The vaccine causes the flu. These views are separate from editorials and reflect individual perspectives of contributing writers and/or members of the University community. “Four clinics have already been held – twice on October 7 and twice on October 10 – then individual vaccinations are given as employees are available and request it”.

Influenza can be deadly, particularly for those who are considered high risk, such as the very young and old, those with certain medical conditions and others.

The virus changes every year and spreads easily from person to person, so it can be hard to fully eradicate.

Using every sales pitch in the book, pharmacists and physicians are doing everything thing they can to get people to take a flu shot this month.

“Despite strong recommendations for everyone in the US 6 months of age and older to be vaccinated against the flu every year, fewer than half of eligible people did so in the 2014-2015 season”.

The flu season usually lasts between October and May, with it often peaking between December and February. “The best offense is a good defense and the best defense is getting a flu shot”. Is it more effective or still the same level of protection?

Billing Reconciliation Representative Edward Celo, left, shares a laugh with Employee Health Coordinator Joe Ramirez, LVN, after getting a flu shot at Redlands Community Hospital in Redlands Friday.

“We expect to see strains of the flu that we haven’t seen in the past and that will need a flu vaccine that’s different from flu vaccines people have had in the past”, said Dr. Harris.

A little less than half of all Americans got the flu vaccine past year, and some doctors say common myths about the vaccine may be one reason why many choose not to get a flu shot.