Want a flu shot? They're stiil available

But it's not too late to be proactive. Flu shots are still available in Bedford County.

"We do still have vaccines," said Janet McAllister of the regional health department. "It's not too late to take it."

Bedford County Health Department is at 140 Dover St. and is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The vaccine takes about two weeks to become fully effective, so by the time the flu season is predicted to pick up, a flu shot taken now would be functional.

Last year around Valentine's Day, several nearby counties had to close schools because of the high number of flu cases among the students, faculty and staff. Bedford County did not close last year, according to the superintendent's office, but has in the past because of flu outbreaks.

Reports of flu cases are increasing, but are below epidemic thresholds. In its weekly influenza report, the CDC stated that Virginia is having widespread flu activity, and regional activity has been reported in Colorado, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, and Texas. Tennessee is on record for having local outbreaks.

Are vaccinations necessary?

According to CDC, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications in the US each year. About 20,000 of those hospitalized are children younger than 5, and an estimated 36,000 people die from flu. In the second week of January this year, two infants died of the flu, CDC reported. Small children, the elderly, pregnant women, those with chronic medical conditions -- all face greater health risks if they get the virus.

"In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated," states the CDC web site. "However, it is recommended by [CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or ACIP] that certain people should get vaccinated each year. They are either people who are at high risk of having serious flu complications or people who live with or care for those at high risk for serious complications. During flu seasons when vaccine supplies are limited or delayed, ACIP makes recommendations regarding priority groups for vaccination."

Others who should get vaccinated each year are: People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities; people who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including health care workers, household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu, or household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age.

There are some people who should not be vaccinated without first consulting a physician. These include:

* People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs.

* People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination.

* People who developed Guillain-Barré syndrome within 6 weeks of getting an influenza vaccine.

* Children less than 6 months of age (influenza vaccine is not approved for this age group), and

* People who have a moderate-to-severe illness with a fever (they should wait until they recover to get vaccinated.)

Avoiding the bug

But even those who can have the vaccination can prevent getting the flu if they follow some basic precautions. Take everyday preventive actions, such as covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people. One Vanderbilt doctor has predicted an outbreak of "Inaugural Flu" passed through the estimated million people crowding the mall during the inauguration.

If you get the flu, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

Antiviral drugs are available for flu sufferers. While they aren't replacements for vaccines, they can fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. The antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. This could be especially important for people at high risk.

If you're sick

For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick, within two days of symptoms. Those symptoms include fever (usually high), headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and muscle aches. In children, there can be nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Most healthy people recover from the flu without complications. If you get the flu -- stay home. It is a contagious disease and by isolating yourself, you can limit its spread. Besides, you really aren't going to feel like getting out anyway. Get lots of rest, drink plenty of liquids, and avoid using alcohol and tobacco.

There are over-the-counter medications to relieve the symptoms of the flu (but never give aspirin to children or teenagers who have flu-like symptoms, particularly fever).

Consult your doctor early on for the best treatment, but also be aware of emergency warning signs in children that require urgent medical attention, such as: Fast breathing or trouble breathing; bluish skin color; not drinking enough fluids; not waking up or not interacting; being so irritable that the child does not want to be held; flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough; or fever with a rash.

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include: Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath; pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen; sudden dizziness; confusion; or severe or persistent vomiting

Seek medical care immediately if you or someone you know is experiencing any of the signs above.