IT'S FLU SEASON

Like needles?

Officials with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) know for many the answer is "no."

But with flu season beginning in a few weeks, the state health authority is encouraging residents of the Palmetto State to head to local clinics for their annual round of shots.

"It's still a few weeks away, but we want to remind folks that they need to get their flu shots," said Elizabeth McArthur of DHEC. "It's important to get a shot. If not, you're putting yourself at risk."

Flu, or influenza, is a serious respiratory ailment that sometimes leads to pneumonia. Each year more than 200,000 people nationwide — an estimated 4,000 of which are from South Carolina — seek medical care in response to the flu, and about 36,000 die as a result of the disease.

Young children and those age 65 and older are believed to have the highest risk of being diagnosed with the virus.

However, DHEC's director of the Bureau of Disease and Control Dr. Jerry Gibson said no age group is immune from the disease.

"Anyone can get the flu, even healthy people," Gibson said.

"Those with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma and heart disease also are more likely to have complications resulting from the flu," the doctor added.

In an effort to combat the respiratory ailment, DHEC has ordered 266,000 doses of flu vaccine be made available for use by state health clinics and partner providers.

The majority of the flu vaccine will be available through doctor's offices and other private providers.

While many know the flu is a serious matter, some are spooked by the belief that flu shots help cause the disease.

"That is nothing more than a myth," McArthur said. "The shot is a killed virus that helps, not causes the disease."

Shipments of the vaccine should be arriving at health departments and clinics across the state as early as this week.

Everyone from the age of six months and older is eligible to receive a flu shot.

"The best way to protect yourself and your family this season and every season is for everyone — especially those with a higher risk for flu-related complications along with those who live with or care for people at high risk — to get a flu shot," Dr. Gibson said. "The vaccine provides immunity not only for the person who receives it, but also for the community at large when more people are protected. We particularly want to urge people who are at the greatest risk from flu, or those who care for them, to make vaccination a priority."

The Cherokee County Health Department in sticking with other branches around South Carolina in charging $25 per shot.

Flu Clinics at the local health facility will be held Oct. 31 and Nov.4 at 4 p.m.

Curbside service for the disabled and special needs patients will be available.

FLU MYTHS

Myth 1: "The flu is dangerous only to the elderly." While the flu is especially dangerous to older adults, it is even more dangerous to those who have diabetes, chronic illness, or a weakened immune system. You're also at higher risk if you live in a nursing home.

Myth 2: "The flu shot can cause the flu." Not true! The flu shot is made from a killed virus, so it is impossible for the shot to give you the flu. The flu shot is your best weapon against the flu.

Myth 3: "You don't need a flu shot every year." You do need to get a flu shot every year because the flu virus changes from year to year. Myth 4: "After November, it's too late to get the flu shot." While it's true that the best time to get the shot is between mid- October and mid-November, the flu virus can be spread as late as March.

Myth 5: "Flu and pneumonia shots are the same." The pneumonia shot is a different shot; it can be given any time during the year. Talk to your doctor about what's best for you.

Myth 6: "As long as I don't eat or drink after someone who has the flu, I won't get it." The flu is very contagious. In fact, if someone who has the virus coughs or sneezes near you, the virus can be spread to you through the air you breathe.