The health department is advising Berrien County residents to get an annual flu shot.
Every person 6 months or older get a flu shot every year. Even if a person had a vaccination last year, the vaccine becomes less effective over time so it is important to have a current vaccine, the department reports.
The Berrien County Health Department (BCHD) will have a flu shot clinic Thursday, Oct. 13 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Niles Health Department, 1205 North Front St., Niles.
The flu is a contagious disease caused by the influenza virus, which spreads from infected persons to the nose or throat of others. Symptoms include fever, chills, sweating, muscle aches, severe headache, weakness and tiredness, loss of appetite, sore throat, cough and chest pain. A person can spread the flu virus even before they know they are sick.
Other illnesses can have the same symptoms and are often mistaken for influenza. Influenza is not what some people call the “stomach flu” (vomiting, fever and diarrhea).
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every year in the United States, an average of 5 to 20 percent of the population gets the flu; more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications; and about 36,000 die from flu. More than 90 percent of those deaths are among persons age 65 or older.
There are two types of flu vaccination: the “flu shot” and the nasal-spray flu vaccine. Both are effective in preventing the flu; talk to a health care provider or a nurse at a health department flu clinic to determine which kind of vaccine is best.
Contrary to popular myth, the flu vaccine cannot give someone the flu. Vaccines are safe and are proven to be effective at preventing the flu and saving lives. The health department hosts community clinics in locations throughout Berrien County. Flu shots and FluMist nasal vaccines are available at all clinics, as well as the high-dose flu vaccine for seniors, and a pneumonia vaccine for those who qualify.
The cost for regular flu shots and FluMist is $30. Medicaid, Medicare and Blue Cross/Blue Shield insurances are accepted, and receipts are provided for other insurances to reimburse for the cost. High-dose flu vaccine is covered by Medicare B. Lower prices are also available for uninsured children, and no one will be turned away for inability to pay.
All clients must bring insurance cards in order for their insurance to be billed.
For more information, contact the BCHD at (269) 926-7121 or visit its website at www.bchdmi.org.

Groups at highest risk for the flu

It is recommended that all people get a flu shot. However, it is highly recommended for certain groups who are considered at highest risk, including:
• Children 6 months to 18 years, especially 6 months through 5 years
• Anyone 65 years of age or older.
• Anyone on aspirin treatment.
Women who are pregnant or will be pregnant during the flu season.
• Anyone with: heart disease, kidney disease, lung disease, metabolic disease such as diabetes, asthma, anemia or blood disorders
• Anyone with a weak immune system from HIV, steroids or cancer treatment.
• Anyone with muscle or nerve disorders
• Residents of nursing homes, chronic-care facilities, dormitories or crowded places
• People who travel to southern hemisphere from April through September
• Anyone who lives with or cares for people at high risk (including infants under 6 months)