Beginning Tuesday, October 14, 2008 the Brazos County Health Department will have flu shots available at a reduced rate of $15. Flu Mist, an intranasal vaccine, will still be offered for a fee of $20. Anyone
interested in receiving the vaccine should call (979) 361-4440 for clinic times and availability.

The health department wants to make the flu shot more affordable for all families during this time of economic hardship.

Flu season typically runs October through March, and vaccinations can be given at any time during this period or later. While the season in Texas has been relatively light so far, the peak for flu illnesses in Texas is usually January and February but could run longer.

Flu is a viral respiratory illness. The illness is spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks, releasing the contagious virus into the air. People with flu generally can transmit the virus to others from
one day before getting sick to up to seven days after showing symptoms of the flu.

Symptoms include a sudden, often high, fever; headache; extreme tiredness; dry cough; sore throat; runny or stuffy nose; and muscle aches. Flu complications can include bacterial pneumonia, ear and sinus
infections, dehydration and worsening of chronic conditions such as congestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes.

“Getting a shot is the one best way to prevent flu, which can cause serious, sometimes deadly complications,” said Dr. David Lakey, Department of State Health Services Commissioner. “The flu shot
together with simple precautions such as washing your hands frequently, covering your cough and sneeze and staying home when sick are good ways for people to protect themselves and their families from infection.”