Get Healthy: Make time to get a flu shot

This column appears in the Nevada Appeal'sWednesday health pages. It addresses topics related to the health of our community.

Have you gotten a flu shot? Carson City Health and Human Services encourages everyone who has not yet been vaccinated to protect themselves and their loved ones during the holiday season by getting a flu shot. This week is National Influenza Vaccination Week and it is a great opportunity to remind people that flu shots are beneficial and effective even if they are received in December and January.

The Health Department has administered more than 13,500 doses of flu vaccine since mid-September, thanks to a very successful campaign in cooperation with Carson City School District and a series of free flu vaccine clinics throughout the region. So far, there have not been many cases of flu in our area, but we may see an increase in the coming winter months. There still is time to get a flu shot before flu season peaks.

For millions of people each year, the flu can bring a fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, fatigue, and miserable days spent in bed instead of at work or school. You may not realize that more than 200,000 people are hospitalized in the United States from flu complications each year, and some even die as a result of flu.

The CDC recommends that everyone six months of age and older get a yearly flu vaccination. The Health Department encourages everyone to get flu vaccinations, especially those who may be at high risk of complications from the flu, including children younger than 5, adults 65 years of age and older, and pregnant women.  

Immunizations are available during Thursday's Immunization Day at Carson City Health and Human Services, 900 E. Long St. The discounted price for a flu shot or the nasal spray is $5, but in celebration of National Influenza Vaccination Week, the clinic will continue its Food for Flu Shots food drive.

Bring in two canned food items to help those in need in the community by Friday to receive a voucher for a free flu shot, redeemable any Thursday in clinic while supplies last.

For more information about other Health Department services, check out www.gethealthycarsoncity.org or visit us at www.facebook.com/cchhs.

Clinics

Carson City Health and Human Services

900 E. Long St., Carson City

775-887-2195

Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; call for appointment.

Well-child visits: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays.

Men's clinic: 4-6 p.m. Mondays; call for appointment.

Immunization day: 8:30-11:30 a.m.; 1-4:30 p.m. Thursdays; no appointment needed.