Are You Ready for the Flu Season?

As the weather is changing, the flu season is slowly creeping upon us. Most clinics and drug stores are now providing flu shots to the community at a low or reduced cost.

The Oneida County Health Department says October is the best time to get your flu shots.

Fevers, Chills, a runny nose? You might be having symptoms of the flu. The peak of flu season in Oneida County is in the months of February and March.

But, registered nurse Dawn DeGironimo says now is the best time to get vaccinated. And even if you are already had the flu, you're still not out of the woods.

"There's so many different strands of flu out there you definitely want to get protected...And one way to protect yourself from the three strands that are going around now that we are vaccinating against...H1N1 and H3N2 and Brisbane is to be immunized," said DeGironimo.

Dawn says the flu can be serious for anyone. But, young children, seniors and people with chronic health problems are the most at risk.

But, how well do Central New Yorkers get vaccinated? It was a mixed response.

"My husband and i do every year... It's preventative medicine like any other shot... It protects you from any variety of flu," said Flo Wynn of Marcy.

"I don't get the flu so i don't bother...I'm not worried about it...I hardly get sick in the winter... I'm pretty active outdoors in the winter time" said Patrick Clearey of Middleville.

The health department says although healthy people are generally not at high risk for the flu, it's always good to be safe.

Dawn also says to keep the simple things in mind.

"Cover your nose and mouth and sneezing. You don't want to do that in your hands...You want to go in the side of your arms to do that. Wash your hands frequently to keep down the spread of germs," said DeGironimo.

But, there are people who should not get a yearly flu vaccine. That includes children younger than 6 months, people who are allergic to chicken eggs as well as people who have had a severe reaction to a flu shot in the past.