'Tis the season - flu season that is

Monday, October 1st marks the official start of flu season. While anyone can get the flu vaccine if they want to reduce their chances of getting the flu, the Centers for Disease Control recommends some groups of adults get vaccinated every year, because they are at increased risk for severe complications if they do become sick. These groups include:

• Women who will be pregnant during flu season
• People who have weakened immune systems, such as from HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy, organ transplants, or autoimmune disorders (e.g., multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis)
• People who have chronic health conditions, such as heart problems, lung disease (e.g., asthma, emphysema, bronchitis), diabetes, and kidney disease
• People 50 years and older
• People who work in a health care setting or family members of those in high risk groups

For the folks noted above, you unfortunately have to get vaccinated with an injection (this is the inactive, or "killed," form of the virus). However, if you are a healthy adult under age 50 who is not pregnant, you can avoid the needle. FluMist is a nasal spray vaccine that will spare you the shot.

The best time to get vaccinated starts Monday. October and November are the recommended months to provide the best chances for keeping the bug away. However, you still may receive some benefits if you get vaccinated in December or later. And remember: it takes two weeks for full immunity to develop, so plan ahead. (You never know when there's going to be another vaccine shortage.) Call your health care provider for an appointment or find a flu shot clinic near you today.