Get vaccinated now before flu season starts

Clark County Public Health issued a reminder Monday for people to get flu shots now, when flu activity locally and nationwide is low.

Seasonal flu is a contagious respiratory disease; flu season usually peaks between November and March, according to a news release from Clark County Health Officer Dr. Alan Melnick.

The 2010-11 flu vaccine will protect against the 2009 H1N1 virus, an H3N2 virus and an influenza B virus, Melnick said.

Flu shots are recommended for everyone ages six months and older. People at greatest risk of complications from flu are especially urged to get vaccinated. Those include infants and young children, pregnant women, people 65 and older and people with chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease and neurologic conditions.

To get a flu shot, contact your health care provider or call a pharmacy. Vaccination with the nasal-spray flu vaccine (FluMist) is an option if you are between the ages of 2 and 49, healthy and not pregnant.

A weekly summary of current flu activity in Clark County is at www.clark.wa.gov/public-health/diseases/flu.html.