News & Columns > Michael P. Neufeld > Hospital Van Delivers Flu Shots

Hospital Van Delivers Flu Shots

At Various Mountain Locations

By Michael P. Neufeld
Friday, October 10, 2008

Lake Arrowhead, CA - It's that time of year when flu season sneaks up on us and Mountains Community Hospital's van will be delivering flu shots to various mountain locations October 13-16.

Getting your flu shot is important as it is estimated that in the United States 36,000 people die each year from influenza and accompanying infections and complications.

Vaccination is especially important for people at higher risk of serious influenza complications which includes people over 65 years of age (especially those with heart disease), children under 5, and people who live with or care for people at higher risk for serious complications.

Entrance to Mountains Community Hospital (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

The van will offer flu shots for $20 on the following dates and locations:

October 13 – Goodwin's Market Parking Lot (Crestline) – 4 to 7 p.m.

October 14 – Bank of America Parking Lot (Lake Arrowhead Village) – 4 to 7 p.m.

October 15 – Coldwell Bank Sky Ridge Realty Parking Lot (Blue Jay) - 4 to 7 p.m.

October 16 – Cedar Glen Post Office Parking Lot – 3 to 6 p.m.

You can get the flu if:

• You are around someone with the flu that coughs or sneezes and the germs enter your body through your mouth or nose
• You touch something, such as a door knob or sink faucet, that has been touched and contaminated by someone with the flu, and you then touch your own mouth or nose

To avoid getting the flu:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available. Keep some in your car to use before you eat that fast-food drive-through meal. Keep some at your desk, your purse, or backpack.
• Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Cough or sneeze into a tissue or inside of your elbow. Then wash your hands or use hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth where an infection can begin.
• Stay home if you are ill. If you have flu symptoms such as fever, body aches and cough, stay home and avoid public activities for at least 5-days (7 for children) to avoid spreading the disease.
• Get a flu shot annually.