Flu shots available

BONNERS FERRY — Flu season is around the corner and the Panhandle Health District office in Bonners Ferry is prepared with vaccine.

PHD will start providing adult and high-dose flu vaccinations on Monday, Sept. 10. High-dose vaccine is for people older than 64 and costs $55.

The vaccine is designed to create a stronger immune response than the regular adult vaccine. Cost is $30.

The office will provide vaccinations from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily on Sept. 10, 13, 17, 24, 26 and 27. For an appointment, call 267-5558.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the flu vaccination annually for everyone older than 6 months old.

“The best protection against the flu is to get vaccinated every year,” said Mary DeTienne, director of Public Health Services for PHD. “Flu spreads less and makes fewer people sick when more people are vaccinated.”

Flu is a respiratory illness. Symptoms include fever, dry cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue and chills. People with symptoms should stay home to recover and to prevent spreading the virus to others.

The flu is contagious before symptoms start, so practicing good hygiene at all times can help prevent its spread. PHD recommends people:

• Get a flu vaccination.

• Wash hands often and particularly after sneezing and coughing.

• Avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth.

• Cover their coughs and sneezes or cough into their sleeve.

• Stay home when sick.