By By Lisa Tindell
news editor
Area residents will have an easy opportunity to avoid the aches, sniffles and sneezes that accompany the flu this season — the health department is even offering drive-through flu shots Friday.
Typically, the flu season is from November through March with outbreaks generally occurring during that period.
Brewton physicians and doctors with the Escambia County Health Department are gearing up for a busy season and recommend the flu vaccine, especially for the young and elderly.
Dr. Jonathan Southworth said there are also a number of people who should consider getting vaccinated against the flu to eliminate serious illness from the virus.
Southworth said those with chronic illnesses and lung problems should also make it a priority to get the flu shot this year.
In recent years, a shortage of the vaccine has been a problem according to officials with The Centers for Disease Control. However, physicians believe this year’s supply should be sufficient to meet the needs of the public.
Officials with the Alabama State Health Department have also said the supply of the vaccine should be enough to supply the needs of those throughout the state.
The Escambia County Health Department is working to make receiving the immunization as effortless as possible for area residents.
A drive-through flu clinic will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. Friday at the Brewton Stockyards on U.S. 31 South in Brewton.
Symptoms of the flu vary from person to person, Southworth said.
However, the symptoms can come on quickly depending upon the strain of the virus contracted.
Other symptoms of flu include respiratory symptoms such as cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and extreme fatigue.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are some people who should not be vaccinated without first consulting a physician.
People who should seek the advice of their physician before being vaccinated include those who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs; have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination in the past including Guillain-Barre syndrome within six weeks of receiving the vaccination; children less than 6 months of age; and people who have had a moderate or severe illness with fever.