No one likes being sick and having the flu is one of the worst kinds of sick. So how can you protect yourself? Get a flu shot. The Effingham County Health Department, which began giving flu shots on Oct. 1, will hold day-long flu shot clinics on Oct. 17 and Oct. 31. The Health Department is located at 802 Highway 119 South in Springfield.

“We want to make it as convenient as possible for Effingham County residents to protect themselves from the flu,” said Cindy Grovenstein, Effingham County Health Department public health nurse. “Every year, flu kills about 36,000 people in the United States. It’s very important to get vaccinated to protect yourself and those around you.”

Influenza (flu) is a highly infectious virus that causes high fever, muscle aches, fatigue, and coughing. The best way to prevent getting the flu is to get a flu vaccination every year. The flu shot is especially important for people who are at high risk for flu complications, including :

• Children ages 6 months to 5 years

• Pregnant women

• Those 50 and older

• People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions

• People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities

• People who live with or work with those at high risk for flu complications

The upcoming flu clinic is open to the public. Medicaid and Medicare clients should bring their insurance information. For those not covered by Medicaid or Medicare, the cost is $25, payable by cash or check.

This year’s flu season could hit with a vengeance, so don’t wait. Get vaccinated now.

“We want Effingham County residents to take advantage of our flu shot clinics,” said Grovenstein. “Because the only thing worse than having the flu is knowing that you could’ve prevented it.”