Health care professionals remind of flu shot importance

Coughs, aches and fever, sore limbs - sure sounds like the flu but the influenza virus hasn't made it to the area yet, local doctors say.

Hamlin internist Dr. Phillip Schirck said that a virus that has stricken many families is similar to the influenza virus symptomatically but is not the flu. "There are the coughs, fever and achy muscles associated with the flu but what we are seeing right now is a summer virus," he said. "It's not atypical to see a virus strike this time of year with all of the children going back to school. There's a much more enhanced chance of this type of illness."

Schirck, whose family is battling the illness, said the symptoms can last for two to three weeks in children and in some cases produces a croup-like cough.

In light of this, many doctors recommend their patients receive an influenza vaccine. Health departments in Genesee, Monroe and Orleans counties have scheduled immunization clinics throughout October. The best time to get a flu shot is October and November, but it has value into December and beyond.

"While a record 100 million doses of vaccine has been produced this year, one manufacturer has indicated that it will delay shipping its portion until early October which may necessitate re-scheduling a few clinics," Dr. Nancy Bennett, Monroe County's deputy health director said. "We're optimistic of reaching our goal which is to get most people immunized before Thanksgiving."

The flu shot is recommended for:

•People 50 and older

•People with a chronic medical condition such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, HIV, asthma or cancer

•Infants between six and 23 months

•Women who will be pregnant during flu season

•Health care workers

•Household members and caregivers of high-risk individuals

The flu, or influenza, is a viral respiratory illness that is easily spread from person to person. Symptoms include: fever, sore throat, muscle ache, chills and headache. Peak influenza activity usually occurs from December through March. Approximately 36,000 people die and 200,000 are hospitalized from flu or its complications each year in the United States.

A new vaccine shot is developed each year based upon the strains of flu expected to be circulating. Unlike many vaccinations, flu shots must be administered each year. Medicare and most HMOs cover the cost of receiving a flu shot.

Where to go

•Genesee County -

October 15 from 1 to 4 p.m. at County Building 2;

October 21 from 1 to 4 p.m. LeRoy Presbyterian Church;

October 29 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Senior Center, Bank Street;

November 3 from 4 to 7 p.m. at County Building 2;

November 18 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Corfu Presbyterian Church.

•Monroe County -

October 4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Greece Town Hall;

October 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Jim Alesi Health Fair, Minnett Hall at Dome Center;

October 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Eastview Mall in the Bon-Ton court;

October 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Pinegrove Senior Center, 154 Pinegrove Avenue;

October 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Webster Senior Center, 985 Ebner Drive;

Contact 234-9600 for information.

•Orleans County - Orleans County flu shots are at the Health Department, Route 31 in Albion. Call 589-3278 for information.

For adults -

October 14 from 9 to 11 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m.;

October 28 from 8 to 10 a.m. and 3 to 5 p.m.;

November 16 from 9 to 11 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m.

For children -

October 26 from 8 to 11 a.m. and 3 to 5 p.m.;

November 9 from 8 to 11 a.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.