Oct. 15, 2001--
The chill in the air means flu season is once again upon us, and already there have been three confirmed cases in the Salt Lake Valley.
Flu shots are available, but not just to anyone quite yet.
News Specialist Jill Atwood explains.
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The State Health Department and Community Nursing Services have many flu clinics set up around the state. For a location near you, or for answers to flu questions:
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Right now only people at high risk are being immunized. We're talking elderly people, babies, health care workers or just people who have health problems to begin with.
It doesn't feel great, but the alternative is far worse. Influenza can put you flat on your back for a week, and in extreme cases cause death.
October immunizations are only for those people considered high risk, but come November 1st everyone who wants a shot can get one.
Ginny Peterson/Community Nursing Services: HEALTHY WORKING AMERICAN WORKERS CAN BENEFIT FROM A FLU SHOT BY 47 PERCENT FEWER RESPIRATORIAL ILLNESSES, 25 PERCENT FEWER LOST DAYS OF EMPLOYEES AND 25 PERCENT FEWER VISITS TO THE DOCTOR.
THOSE OF US THAT ALWAYS HAVE SOMETHING UPPER RESPIRATORY GOING ON HAVE FOUND THAT IT IS A WONDERFUL THING TO HAVE A FLU SHOT BECAUSE WE HAVE HEALTHIER WINTERS.
Organizations like Community Nursing Services open clinics all over the state, and vaccinations will be available as long as supplies last.
And with the upcoming Olympic Games, a flu shot's not a bad idea....especially for volunteers.
In fact the State Health Department encourages anyone involved in the games to get immunized.
Linda Abel/State Health Department: SIMPLY BECAUSE OF THE LARGE CROWD AND EVERYONE WANTS TO HAVE A FUN TIME. AND WHO WANTS TO HAVE THE FLU DURING THE OLYMPICS?
Flu shots last for four months, and you can even get them into January. So if you don't get one right away don't worry about it.
