<p> Flu shots are now available at CHWS!</p><p>Information from: Medical News Today- http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/15107.php CDC (Key Facts about Flu)- http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm</p><p>For more information about influenza or the vaccine, visit CHWS or go to the CDC’s website on seasonal influenza: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm What is the Flu? Influenza, commonly shortened to "flu," is an extremely contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza A or B viruses. Flu appears most frequently in winter and early spring. The flu virus attacks the body by spreading through the upper and/or lower respiratory tract. Adults are contagious one day before getting symptoms and up to 7 days after becoming ill. Where Can I Get a Flu Shot?</p><p> Flu shots are available at CHWS right now by appointment. </p><p>The cost is $21. The shot covers both seasonal flu strains </p><p> and H1N1</p><p> Other Tacoma locations where flu shots are available are: </p><p>Safeway (Proctor), Target (South 23rd), Walgreens (6th </p><p>Ave), Costco (South 37th), and Fred Meyer (South 19th) The Centers for Disease Control urges the following at-risk groups to be immunized:</p><p> People age 50 and over</p><p> Residents of nursing homes or other chronic-care facilities</p><p> Adults and children who have chronic lung or heart problems, including children </p><p> with asthma</p><p> Adults and children who have chronic metabolic diseases (such as diabetes </p><p> mellitus), renal dysfunction, hemoglobinopathies, or immunosuppression (such as </p><p>HIV)</p><p> Children and teens who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy (who have the </p><p> potential to develop Reye's Syndrome after the flu)</p><p> Women in their second or third trimester of pregnancy during the flu season You should also think seriously about getting a flu shot if: </p><p> You live in an institutional setting, such as college students </p><p> and members of the armed services</p><p> You are in contact with at-risk people. This includes health </p><p> care providers, employees of nursing homes and chronic-</p><p> care facilities, home-care providers, emergency-response </p><p> people, and household members What are the symptoms of flu?</p><p>It is common to confuse flu with a bad cold. Flu and cold symptoms may include a runny/blocked nose, sore throat, and cough. Here are some symptoms which a person with flu will have. These are not common heavy cold symptoms: </p><p> High temperature</p><p> Cold sweats, shivers</p><p> Headache</p><p> Aching joints, aching limbs</p><p> Fatigue, feeling utterly exhausted</p><p> Gastro-intestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, are much more common among children than adults </p>