Summer may be a recent memory, but believe it or not, flu season is lurking in the not-too-distant future. As always, Marshall Medical Center and the El Dorado County Public Health Department are working together to get the word out about the flu, its risks, and what people can do to prevent its spread. Aptly, this season’s call to action is “Subdue the Flu”.

A key weapon in that campaign? Annual flu vaccinations. Flu season typically runs from November to March or April, and the vaccine takes about two weeks for protection to kick in.

Health professionals use the catchy term “pumpkins to turkeys” to define the ideal time to get your vaccine – that is, around Halloween time through Thanksgiving. But, if you miss this window, it’s still a good idea to get the vaccine even in December. Authorities are not expecting vaccine shortages this season.

This year, the Public Health Department’s first flu clinics will generally target seniors and high risk individuals. These clinics will begin in late October with more being scheduled as additional vaccine shipments arrive. Call the county’s flu hotline at (530) 621-6188 or visit www.co.el-dorado.ca.us/publichealth for details.

Patients of Marshall physicians should call their doctor’s office to find out when flu vaccines will be available through physician clinics.

Influenza is a potentially deadly virus, and different strains take hold each year – that’s why annual flu vaccines, specially prepared to protect against each year’s circulating viruses, are so important. Here are some other key facts about the flu and tips to keep you and your family healthy:

- Each year, over 225,000 people in the U.S. are hospitalized with flu complications; 40,000 die from it.
- Flu is very contagious. You can spread it 24 hours before you even have symptoms, and continue to spread it for seven or more days.
- The virus can live on hard surfaces, such as doorknobs, phones and gas pump handles for as long as two days. Take advantage of courtesy disinfectant provided, or carry a waterless hand sanitizer for these situations.
- Washing hands frequently and especially before touching your face can help prevent the flu.
- The BEST flu prevention is immunization. By getting immunized you protect not only yourself but those around you – family, friends and coworkers from getting your flu.
- Remember “pumpkins to turkeys” is the best time to get your immunization (from late October to late November).