Residents may now receive flu vaccines at health dept.

Flu vaccines are currently available at the Lincoln County Health Department from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For individuals without Medicare Part B, Medicaid, or PeachCare, the cost is $25. Those with a primary insurance plan, who will be using their Medicare or Medicaid cards to pay for the vaccine, are asked to present both cards when the service is rendered.

Anyone can contract influenza, but rates of infection are the highest among children. For most people, the illness lasts only a few days and can cause fever, coughing, a sore throat, headaches, chills, muscle aches, and fatigue.

In others, the influenza virus can lead to pneumonia. It can also cause high fevers and seizures in children.

On the average, 226,000 people are hospitalized each year because of influenza, and 36,000 die, mostly the elderly.

Influenza vaccines are strongly recommended for the following:

.. All children, from six months up to five years of age.

.. Anyone 50 years of age or older.

.. Anyone, from six months to 18 years of age, who is on long-term aspirin therapy. These individuals could develop Reye's Syndrome if they contract the flu.

.. Women, who will be pregnant during the influenza season.

.. Anyone with long-term health problems such as heart disease, lung disease, asthma, kidney disease, metabolic diseases such as diabetes, and anemia and other blood disorders.

.. Anyone with a weakened immune system due to HIV, AIDS, or other diseases affecting the immune system; long-term treatment using drugs such as steroids; and/or cancer treatment with x-rays or drugs.

.. Anyone with certain muscle or nerve disorders, such as seizure disorders or severe cerebral palsy, which can lead to breathing or swallowing problems.

.. Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities.

.. Anyone who lives with or cares for people at a high risk for influenzarelated complications, including healthcare providers; household con- tacts and caregivers of children from birth up to five years of age; and household contacts and caregivers of people 50 years and older and those with medical conditions that put them at a higher risk for severe complications from influenza.

For more information about obtaining a flu vaccine, contact the Lincoln County Heath Department at 706- 359-3154.