Influenza season due in October

Staff Reports

Carson Valley Medical Center will be providing flu shots during the month of October.

The center will start offering flu shots 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 6 in the medical center's lobby.

They will be also offered on the second floor at the center's Occupational Health Department 9-11 a.m. Oct. 10, Oct. 17, Oct. 24, and Oct. 31. No appointments are necessary during these dates and times.

The flu shot is provided free of charge to Medicare Part B patients who show their card at the time of vaccination, otherwise the cost is $25.

Pneumonia vaccinations will also be available through the Occupational Health Department for $40 (also free for Medicare Part B patients).

Carson Valley Medical Center recommends the following good health habits to help you avoid the flu:

-- Avoid close contact. Keep your distance from people who are sick.

-- Wash your hands frequently with warm, soapy water for about 15 seconds to help protect you from germs.

-- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

-- Keep facial tissues or a handkerchief handy to cover your nose and mouth when you or someone else sneezes or coughs.

-- Keep household items used by many family members clean (telephones, faucets, door handles, toilet handles, etc.). Rubbing alcohol is inexpensive and can be used to clean these items.

-- The best way to avoid the flu is to get an annual flu shot. According to the CDC, best time to get a flu shot is in October or November.