Flu season is almost here, and the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) urges all Mississippians to "give it a shot" to protect themselves and their families from influenza.

MSDH has received its first 34,000 doses of the flu vaccine. These doses will be divided among all county health departments for immediate availability. MSDH will continue to receive shipments of the vaccine throughout October and November.

The MSDH suggests calling your local health department to confirm vaccine availability before arriving at the clinic. The charge for flu vaccination is $25. Medicare Part B covers the cost of flu vaccination, so those with Medicare Part B should bring their cards with them to the clinic. Children ages six months through 18 years can receive flu vaccinations for $10.

"Mississippi's flu season typically peaks in January and lasts through March," said Interim State Health Officer Dr. Ed Thompson, "but flu often starts appearing much earlier, so get a flu shot in October or November." Typical symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, and often, extreme fatigue. Sore throat, headache, muscle aches, and runny or stuffy nose are also often present.

"Anyone (including school-aged children) who wants to reduce the risk of getting the flu or of giving flu to others should be vaccinated," said Dr. Thompson.

Flu vaccination is especially important for persons at risk for medical complications or more likely to require medical care:

• all children aged 6-59 months (i.e., 6 months-4 years);
• all persons 50 years or older;
• children and adolescents (aged 6 months-18 years) who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and who therefore might be at risk for experiencing Reye's syndrome after influenza virus infection;
• women who will be pregnant during the influenza season;
• adults and children who have chronic lung, heart, kidney, liver, blood or metabolic disorders, including diabetes;
• adults and children who have compromised immune systems that are caused by medications such as chemotherapy or by HIV;
• adults and children who have any condition, such as spinal cord injuries, seizure disorders, or other neuromuscular disorders, that make it difficult to breathe or swallow properly;
• residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities.

Vaccination is also highly recommended for persons who live with or care for persons at high risk for influenza-related complications:

• health care providers;
• healthy household contacts (including children) and caregivers of children 59 months old and younger (i.e., 5 years and younger) and younger and adults aged older than 50 years; and
• healthy household contacts (including children) and caregivers of persons with medical conditions that put them at higher risk for severe complications from influenza.

The public is also reminded to follow basic infection control measures to help prevent the spread of flu. These measures include covering your mouth when coughing and sneezing, staying at home when you are sick and washing your hands frequently.

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Press Contact: Liz Sharlot , Elizabeth Grey or Carol Jarvis Jones, (601) 576-7667