Flu season is here and if you are still in need of a flu shot, Powell Valley Healthcare is providing flu shots via a drive-thru venue on Tuesday (today) from 3-5:30 p.m. The location of the flu shots is in the parking lot at PVHC Physical & Occupational Therapy, 469 South Mountain View St. 

Flu shots are available for adults 18 and older and the cost is $25. Medicare is accepted. 

In the event the weather conditions are undesirable, people can come to Powell Valley Clinic, Building A, 3-5:30 p.m. If you are looking for a flu shot for a child, or if you can’t make it to the drive-thru option, please call Powell Valley Clinic at 754-7257 to schedule a nurse visit for a flu shot or you can contact Park County Public Health at 307-754-8870.

Influenza, or flu, is a common and potentially serious infectious disease that can affect anyone. Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle pain, and fatigue. Some people may also have diarrhea, vomiting, or complications like pneumonia or organ failure. Flu illness is caused by different types of influenza viruses that change constantly, according to the release, which is why a new flu vaccine is recommended every year. The vaccine protects you from the four most common flu viruses that are expected to circulate in each season.

Getting a flu vaccine, washing your hands, and practicing good respiratory hygiene is the best way to prevent flu and its complications. Flu vaccines are safe and effective and, according to the CDC, they cannot give you the flu because they are made with killed or weakened viruses. They may cause some mild side effects, such as soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site, headache or low-grade fever. This is your immune system working to create immunity to the virus.

The best time to get a flu vaccine is before flu season starts, usually in September or October. It takes about two weeks for your body to develop immunity after vaccination.

Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months and older, especially for people who are at higher risk of flu complications, such as pregnant women, older adults, children and people with chronic health problems.