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Health department to offer flu shots

By Rose Hooper
Jay Denton Jay Denton, right, chairman of the Jackson County Board of Commissioners, receives a flu shot from health department nurse Debbie Hage. Influenza vaccinations will be available at the Jackson County Department of Public Health throughout October. For more information, call 586-8994. The flu. Those two small words bring misery for millions of Americans each year.

Influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by a variety of influenza viruses. It's a potentially serious, extremely contagious viral disease that spreads through the upper respiratory tract and sometimes into the lungs.

Realizing that much of the illness and death caused by influenza can be prevented by receiving an annual flu vaccination, the Jackson County Department of Public Health is gearing up for flu season. The health department will offer influenza vaccinations throughout October for seniors and those with chronic illnesses. Flu shots will be available for others in November. The Centers for Disease Control does not expect a shortage of the influenza vaccination this year.

The vaccine, Fluvirin Types A and B, will be available Monday through Friday from 8-11:30 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. The price of the shot will be $11. Medicare, part B, will be accepted. The shots will be given on a first-come, first-serve basis. The vaccination will be open to all ages, but anyone under the age of 18 must have a physician's order.

"Influenza vaccination is specifically recommended for people who are at high risk for developing serious complications as a result of influenza infection," said Lewis Beck, nursing supervisor. These high-risk groups include the following:

- Adults 65 years of age and older.

- Residents of nursing homes and other facilities for patients with chronic medical conditions.

- People with chronic disorders of the lungs or heart, such as asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis or cystic fibrosis.

- People who are less able to fight infections because of chronic metabolic diseases such as diabetes, renal dysfunction, hemoglobinopathies, immunosuppressive or immunodeficiency disorders.

- Women who will be in their second and third trimester of pregnancy during the influenza season.

- Household members and caregivers of persons in these high-risk groups.

For further information, contact Jackson County Department of Public Health at 586-8994.

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