This is the time of the year to begin thinking about the flu season and taking preventive measures, according to Greene County Health Nurse Marilyn Crays.

There haven't been any kind of projections released yet on the potential severity of the influenza this season, but health officials say it's wise to get the vaccination shots as a protective measure.

"There will definitely not be a shortage of vaccine this year. They (Center of Disease Control officials) are hoping since they added the strain that really hit everybody hard last year, they are hoping that the flu (cases) will be down."

Crays says there are number of flu strains that the Center for Disease Control and the Indiana State Department of Health are recommending for vaccination during the next three months.

The county health nurse said she'd recommend that anyone who goes out and does volunteer work get a flu vaccine. She said the shots can be taken until January and still be effective against late-season flus.

The 2008-09 season virus strains are A/Brisbane/59/2007 (H1N1); A/Brisbane/10/07 (H3N2); and B/Florida/4/2006 antigens.

Among the changes for this year's flu season:

* Annual vaccinations for all children 5 to 18.

* Annual vaccinations for all children from six months to 4 years and older children with conditions that place them at increased risk for complications should influenza continue.

* Either TIV or LATV can be used when vaccinating health persons aged 4-49 years. Children six months through eight years should receive two doses if they have not been vaccinated previously. Crays said to check with a family physician or the health department to talk about other possible restrictions.

Crays stressed that the Greene County Health Department doesn't give flu vaccines except to children aged 6 months to 18 years through the free Vaccine for Children program.

Adults are encouraged to check with their local physicians to schedule flu shots or the administering of the flu vaccine nasal mist.

Some of those at high risk are health-care workers, people over 65, people with an underlying medical condition, and out-of-home caregivers.

Crays said the Health Department is administering both the flu shot and nasal spray flu vaccine.

The flu mist is approved and recommended for individuals who are healthy and not pregnant -- ages 2 through 49.

"They're really encouraging pregnant women to get a flu vaccine," Crays said. "It doesn't hurt them because it's not a live vaccine."

She said the idea that you can get the flu from a flu shot is an old wive's tale, because the vaccine is not live. The mist form of the vaccine is live, however, she said, and is not indicated for anyone who's immunosuppressed, very young, or elderly with chronic health problems. With healthy individuals not in a high-risk group, she said, the mist is very effective.

The health nurse says some individuals should not be vaccinated, including:

* People who have severe allergies to chicken eggs.

* People who have had a severe reaction to a flu vaccination in the past.

* People who developed Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) within six weeks of getting an influenza vaccination.

* Children less than six months of age.

* People who have a moderate-to-severe illness with fever. They should wait to recover before they are vaccinated.

The flu vaccine is for influenza A and B, according to Crays, who added that it doesn't protect from what people call "stomach flu." She said it protects from the virus that causes elevated temperature, fatigue, weakness, total exhaustion, sore throat, cough, runny nose, sneezing, and achiness. Crays said not everyone will have all of the symptoms, and one person may not have the same symptoms as the next.

"Sometimes what people don't understand is that the flu shot builds the immune system," she said. "They may get a mild case, but nothing full-blown."

There are some anti-viral medications available to treat the flu, according to Crays. An antibiotic may be needed if a secondary infection develops.

"It's best to check with your doctor if symptoms don't get better within two or three days," she said. "There may be a secondary infection."

Crays says always the best deterrent against getting the flu is proper hand washing and sanitizing.

For additional information about flu shots, nasal mist vaccine or to schedule an appointment, contact the county health department in Bloomfield by calling 384-4496. The flu mist is now available. The injectable vaccine is expected to be delivered in the very near future, according to Crays.

The health department is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Good Health Tips

* Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others.

* Stay home when you are sick.

* Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

* Clean your hands.

* Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

* Practice other good health habits -- get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious foods.

Source: Greene County Health Department