Roll up your sleeve for flu shot

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - No one enjoys the prick of the needle. But when comes to protecting yourself against the flu virus, it is probably worth a little pain. This year the flu virus is on the minds of many. Fears of an H1-N1 flu outbreak had people thinking about sniffles and coughs long before the traditional flu season began. While H1-N1 is a threat, Sigma Family Physician, Dr. Daniel Schwartz, said you should also think about protecting yourself from the season flu.

"Seasonal flu is a vaccine against Influenza A & B. Swine Flu is actually a combination of different viruses. Two strains combined with one human strain of the virus and one avian or bird strain," Schwartz said.

There could be some mild side effects with a seasonal flu shot, but Schwartz still recommends getting one. He does not expect a shortage of the season flu vaccine this season. But Tippecanoe County will only get about 85,000 doses of the H1-N1 vaccine. He said children, pregnant women and people with a compromised immune system should get both seasonal and H1-N1 flu shots. Adults may have an immunity to the H1-N1 but should still consider getting a seasonal flu shot.

"Influenza and H1-N1 are primarily respiratory illnesses. The deaths that have occurred are because of severe respiratory distress," Schwartz said.

He said the benefits tend to outweigh the negative side effects, so roll up your sleeve and stay safe this flu season.

Sigma Medical Group is offering a seasonal flu vaccine to the general public. Saturday, September 26th from 7:30 a.m. to noon flu shots will be given for $24. The locations are the Sigma Family Medicine and Internal Medicine at 2323 Ferry Street in Lafayette and in West Lafayette at the Sigma Pediatric Adolescent Family Medicine Facility at 915 Sagamore Parkway West.

The Sigma Med Express Care will offer flu shots from noon to 6:00 p.m. No appointments are necessary for any of the clinics.