Each winter, millions of people suffer from the flu. Flu—the short name for influenza—is caused by viruses. Flu viruses can spread easily from one person to another. For some people, flu is a mild illness. For older people, especially those who have health problems like diabetes or heart disease, the flu can be very serious.

The best way to be protected against influenza is to get a "flu" shot. A flu shot is between 70 and 90 percent effective in preventing flu, depending on the length and intensity of a given flu season and your overall health.

In a few cases, people who get a flu shot may still get the flu, but they'll get a much less serious form of the illness and, most important, they'll have a decreased risk of flu-related complications — especially pneumonia, heart attack, stroke and death — to which older adults are especially vulnerable.

This flu season, there will be more than 132 million flu vaccine doses available - 32 million more than were available last year.

As in past years, MMSD is working with Home Health United to offer flu shot clinics for all employees. These clinics are a convenient, easy way to get your shot. No appointments are needed.

If you are wondering if you should get a shot, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend all persons, including school-aged children, who want to reduce the risk of becoming ill with influenza or of spreading it to others, get a flu shot annually.

Additionally, the CDC recommends annual flu shots if you:

• Are age 6 months to 4 years
• Are pregnant
• Are 50 years old or older
• Have a chronic medical condition such as asthma, diabetes or heart, kidney or lung disease
• Have a weakened immune system
• Are a resident of a nursing home or other long term care facility
• Are a child care worker or health care worker or live with or care for someone at high risk of complications from the flu

If you have MMSD sponsored health insurance, bring your card to the clinic and sign in. If you don't have MMSD sponsored health insurance, the fee for the flu shot is $23.

MMSD clinics are not open to spouses, partners or children. Retirees may attend if they are currently receiving active district health insurance.

Two frequently asked questions:
Q: Why do people need to get a flu shot every year?
A: Flu viruses change from year to year. Each year's virus is just a little different than the year before. So every year the vaccine in the flu shot is changed. That's the reason that you need a flu shot every fall.

Q: It seems like everyone is coughing and sneezing. How can I protect myself?
A: Wash your hands thoroughly and often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol), avoid touching your eyes, mouth or nose whenever possible, and avoid close contact with others who are ill.

Related MMSD Links

• MMSD Flu Clinic Schedule