By Jason Cannon

jcannon@demopolistimes.com

The flu is a very contagious respiratory illness and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages vaccination of all people ages six months and older.

The Marengo County Health Department will hold a drive-thru flu shot clinic Sept. 29 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

As winter weather approaches, health departments around the state see a rush on flu shots with many running out.

Norma Cannon, with the Marengo County Health Department, said wasn’t much of a concern with this month’s clinic.

“We’ve got a lot,” she said. “It’s best to come on and get them while we have them but we don’t expect to run out anytime soon.”

The public is asked to bring their insurance card with them. For those without insurance, the shot costs $10.

Those who should avoid the shot include anyone with a bad cold, cough or fever; have guillain-barre syndrome; have a severe egg allergy; or have previously had an allergic reaction to a flu shot. An average of 36,000 people die from the flu each year in the United States according to the CDC. The typical flu season begins in October and lasts through May, but typically peaks in January through March, according to the CDC.

To help control the spread of the flu, wash hands frequently, cover the nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing and sneezing and stay at home when ill.