Flu Jan07

Flu Shots Still Available at Healthcare Center

1/03/2007

It is still not too late to get a flu shot. January through April is peak flu season. Influenza (also called flu) is a serious illness responsible for other 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths each year in the United States. Between 5% and 20% of the population can expect to get the flu each year. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends flu shots for these people:

	People 50 years of age and older,
	People of any age with chronic medical conditions,
	Pregnant women,
	Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu (see above),
	People with young children who have not been vaccinated,
	Anyone wanting to avoid the flu.

The CDC is currently reporting widespread outbreaks of the flu across much of the southern United States and regional outbreaks in the Midwest. The flu shot can provide protection against the flu in as little as two weeks. For more information about Flu prevention visit the CDC Flu website.

Flu shots are available at the ABX Air Healthcare Center for employees and dependents (age 15 and older) for $5. Call the Heatlhcare Center at (937) 283-9289 to make an appointment. Appointments are preferred. Walk-ins can also be accommodated but may experience longer waiting times during peak periods.

Avoid the flu this season, get your flu shot today.