News : Flu season approaches; VGH offers vaccination clinic Thursday

Nobody is more motivated to get a flu shot, says Nancy Farmer, than someone who has already had the flu.

“It comes down to two things,” says Farmer, the Benton County Public Health Director: “Prevention. And prevention.”

The unusually warm November has delayed the normal increase in the flu, but as more of the country begins to experience colder weather, more cases of flu are being reported.

It’s not the cold that causes the flu to spread. It spreads, says Farmer, because the cold weather forces more people inside. Being closer to other people in enclosed spaces helps spread the germs that cause diseases. Also, said Farmer, many people make healthier lifestyle choices while being active outside.

“They exercise more, they eat more healthy foods and they drink more fluids,” she said.

The Virginia Gay Hospital Home Health Agency is sponsoring a flu vaccination clinic this Thursday, from 1-4:30 p.m. Any adult is welcome. The cost is $15; those with the standard Medicare plan can receive the vaccine at no out-of-pocket; the agency will directly bill Medicare. The clinic takes place at the Home Health Agency Office at 309 First Avenue, across the street from the courthouse.

Farmer said there is plenty of vaccine available. She said health leaders have seen a decline in incidents of flu cases because of more people are choosing to be vaccinated. Those who receive a flu shot have a “more robust” immune system, says Farmer.

“We can’t protect people from every strain of the flu virus, but the flu vaccine protects people from the ones most expected to affect us,” she said.

Those who have previously had the flu and have experienced its misery are more likely to seek a flu shot, said Farmer.

“They know how awful the flu can be,” she said.

Other preventative measures include the frequent washing of hands and staying home if you are sick, said Farmer.

See more information on the flu and prevention HERE.