If you’re older than 6 months, get a flu shot, says Baystate Franklin Medical Center’s Dr. Sundeep “Sunny” Shukla, associate medical director in the Department of Emergency Medicine.
Shukla said people shouldn’t worry about adverse effects, because flu shots protect thousands of people every year.
“Their benefits prevent hospital stays, medical issues, so much,” he said. “You’ll get hit a lot harder with the flu if you don’t get one.”
Shukla said the Center for Disease Control is already reporting that the flu in Australia is “terrible” this year, and it’s headed this way.
“They’re watching Australia and the numbers are much higher than usual, and it’s worse than previous years,” he said. “It has already reached some areas of the West Coast, so it’s only a matter of time before it gets here.”
Shukla said the flu affects young children and older adults the worst, and then everyone in between from 18 to 64 years old. He said a flu shot may not prevent the flu, but people who have one will notice less of an impact if they do contract it.
“There’s no foolproof way to prevent the flu, even with a shot, because they are between 30 and 60 percent effective in preventing the flu completely,” he said. “But, if you get one and then get the flu, it will most likely be a milder case.”
People with respiratory problems or who are prone to infections are more likely to be hospitalized with the flu. Shukla advises that people should start thinking about getting the flu shot now, noting that the worst months for getting the flu tend to be January and February. Last year, the Centers for Disease Control reported 85,000 flu-related hospitalizations.
He said there are different types of flu shots — injected or mist.
“Prevention is most important, because once you have it, there’s not a lot that can be done.
Shukla suggests talking to a doctor or medical professional before getting the shot, because some people might be allergic or have a condition that could create more problems.
While it’s not always easy to diagnose the flu, Shukla said if a child is having difficulty breathing, seems dehydrated, is running a high fever and has a cough that doesn’t improve, it’s most likely the flu. Adults will experience shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, coughing and a fever.
He said people are most contagious the day before symptoms appear and three to five days after they appear.
“The flu is spread through droplets,” he said, “so people should wash their hands regularly, using hot water and soap.”
Shukla said people should cover their mouths with their arms, not hands, when coughing, and should talk to their doctors immediately if they think they might have the flu. He said it is “really important” for pregnant women to get the flu vaccine — maternal antibodies will protect the fetus.
“If people do these things, together we’ll get through flu season,” Shukla said.
The cost for the following flu-shot clinics is $20 for adults or $10 for children, unless otherwise specified. Participants can also use their insurance cards.
Shelburne Falls Senior Center: Tuesday from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the center, 7 Main St. in Shelburne Falls. Register beforehand by calling the center at 413-625-2502. Call Lisa White with questions at 413-665-1400, ext. 114.
Erving Senior Center: Tuesday, Oct. 1, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the center, 1 Care Drive in Erving.
Ashfield Police Department: Friday, Oct. 4, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Ashfield Congregational Church on Main Street. Insurance or Medicare cards only. No cash. Ages 9 through 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Conway Town Hall: Friday, Oct. 4, from 9 to 11 a.m. at 5 Academy Hill Road.
Charlemont Federated Church: Tuesday, Oct. 8, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the church on Route 2.
Stoughton Place Apartments: Friday, Oct. 11, from 9 to 11 a.m. at 12 Main Road in Gill.
South County Senior Center: Tuesday, Oct. 15, from 9 to 11 a.m. at 7 North Main St. in South Deerfield.
Gill Elementary School: Wednesday, Oct. 15, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the school, 48 Boyle Road.
Highland Village Community Room: Tuesday, Oct. 22, from 1 to 2 p.m. at 1 Highland Village in Shelburne.
Deerfield Town Offices: Saturday, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. to noon at 8 Conway St. in South Deerfield.
Conway Grammar School: Wednesday, Nov. 6, from 3:15 to 5:30 p.m. at the school, 24 Fournier Road.
Hawlemont Flu Clinic and EDS drill: Saturday, Nov. 9, from 9 to 11 a.m. at a location to be announced.
There are also free flu shots offered by several local pharmacies. Check with the one you use for more details.
Reach Anita Fritz at 413-772-0261, ext. 269 or afritz@recorder.com.