Flu season is fast approaching and it is time to start thinking about getting your annual flu vaccine. Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. The flu is transmitted by droplets made by infected people when they cough, sneeze, or talk. The flu can also be spread by touching a surface that is contaminated with the flu virus and then touching your mouth or nose. The flu can cause mild to severe illness and can at times lead to hospitalization and even death. The elderly, the very young and people with certain health conditions are at risk for serious complications from the flu.

The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated every year.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months and older should be vaccinated against influenza as soon as flu season vaccines become available in their community.  Flu season can begin as early as October and can last until May. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the antibodies against influenza to begin circulating in the body and provide protection against the flu.

The flu vaccine is offered at many locations, including the local health department, doctors’ offices, some pharmacies, rural health clinics and even by some employers.

For questions or concerns about flu vaccine, please contact the Brownwood/Brown County Health Department at 325-646-0554 or go to www.flu.gov.

Pictured above a patient at a previous flu clinic gets a vaccination.