Along with fall comes the flu, and this year's flu shot covers three strains of the virus in hopes of lessening the impact of the contagious respiratory illness.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) recommends everyone older than 6 months receive a flu shot. This year's flu vaccine will protect against three different flu viruses: H1N1, H3N2 and influenza B.
"The most important thing is to get in as early as you can," said Cameron Schulte of Tolson Drug Store. "Because it takes two weeks to get into your system and build up that immunity to the strains that it is covering. So the sooner you can get in the better. Hopefully it will prevent the flu, or lessen it if you get it."
Schulte said that he has given at least five shots so far this year, and that the drug store just started the program last year. He also mentioned that there is no appointment necessary and most insurance policies cover the cost. If a patient's plan does not cover the shot, it is $14.99 at Tolson's.
Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness that can cause mild to severe illness, and sometimes death. Its symptoms are fever, fatigue, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, body aches, diarrhea and vomiting. But, if a patient has these symptoms without any respiratory symptoms it is unlikely that they have the flu, according to the DHSS.
To prevent catching the flu, the DHSS recommends getting vaccinated, washing hands, using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, covering mouths and noses when coughing, using disposable tissues, avoiding contact with sick people, and avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth. Anyone who is already sick should stay home to stop the virus from spreading, DHSS states.
Missouri had 23,046 cases of influenza during the 2013-14 season, according to DHSS statistics. The season also had 2,510 deaths that involved either pneumonia or influenza.