The weather may not feel like it, but it's already autumn. You might think flu season is around the corner and pharmacists from Walgreens said they've already seen cases of the flu.
They've been selling treatments for the illness like Tamiflu.
One thing new about the flu this year is they are not offering a flu mist as a vaccine. This was a nasal spray that grew in popularity for kids who were afraid of shots. However, the CDC is not recommending it because it says it does not effectively protect against the H1N1 strand of the virus.
The muscular version of the vaccine protects against three strands of influenza.
The CDC recommends school-age children to get a flu shot before school starts in August. This is to help prevent them from getting sick.
Pharmacists tell us anyone can benefit from getting a flu shot. They say the young and old should definitely get one, as well as healthcare professionals.
The shot is said to last six to nine months, so getting it as early as September should still protect you through the cold months.
Pharmacists said the shot takes two weeks to start protecting you.
Walgreens pharmacists are giving the shots free from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Thursday at the Jack Reardon Community Center in KCK.
They also said that they don't believe the old wives tale that a flu shot can make you sick.
"The flu shot itself is not an live virus. It isn't activated it's just viral protein. So you can't get sick from it. Most people who get sick after they've had a flu shot have come in contact with someone who was sick beforehand," said Jason Bleich, pharmacy manager at Walgreens.
He said it's a good idea to get the flu shot before those around you start getting sick.
Mother & Child Health Coalition has other dates for free flu shots:
- Monday, October 10 at Kansas City Kansas Community College in Leavenworth - 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Wednesday, October 12 at Kansas City Kansas Community College main campus - 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Monday, October 17 at Kansas City Kansas Community College Tech Center - 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
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Belinda Post can be reached at belinda.post@kshb.com.
