Delegate Nancy Guthrie, 30th District

Flu Season is upon us and I worry about you staying healthy throughout the winter. The American Lung Association was kind enough to send me their website link that let’s you type in your Zip Code to see where the closest place is near you to get your Flu Shot.

Each year, more than 226,000 Americans are hospitalized and 36,000 die from influenza-related complications. Yet, many people are unaware of how dangerous influenza can be, which is alarming given that most of us know a “face” of influenza whose good health or even life depends on getting vaccinated every year. In fact, more than 220 million people in the U.S. are recommended for annual immunization. That’s two out of every three people. Unfortunately, on average, fewer than half of the recommended individuals actually get immunized each year.

The CDC recommends that anyone with a chronic health condition such as asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder), diabetes, heart disease and cancer receive an annual influenza immunization. The CDC also recommends annual immunization for pregnant women; children ages 6 to 59 months; adults over the age of 50; health-care professionals; caregivers/household contacts of these groups and generally, anyone who wishes to reduce their risk of contracting influenza.

If you or someone you know falls into any of the categories listed above, it is easy to locate local vaccination clinics throughout the influenza season by visiting the American Lung Association’s Flu Clinic Locator online at the Faces of Influenza Web site. Vaccination typically begins in October and can continue through March. In most seasons, influenza virus activity doesn’t peak until February or March.

So go to www.facesofinfluenza.org type in your Zip Code and find out where you can get your Flu Shot. With the weather being as unpredictable as it has been, there is no telling what will come our way this winter.

I want all of us to stay healthy so take a minute from your day and locate the closest place near you to get your Flu Shot.