Flu Shots Available, Doctors Say Don't Wait

"I have taken the flu shot before and I always end up feeling a hundred percent worse for days," said Heather Broussard

You have heard it before; everyone has a reason to get vaccinated or not.

"I believe in all the over the counter remedies there are for colds and hand sanitizer. I use it all the time."

But Willis Knighton Quick Care Doctor Aaron Lirette urges folks to get a flu shot.

"The flu shot is the best and probably the only way of having total protection against the flu," said Dr. Lirette

For years, Anice and Donald Hamersky have gotten one.

"We checked with them last week and they said this Wednesday," said Donald Hamersky.

So wednesday morning they were ready to roll up their sleeves.

"We have had the flu in the past, flu shots are better," said Anice Hamersky.

If it seems early for a flu vaccination, it's not.

If anything, a shot could add extra protection against H1N1, which is the deadly strain of flu that caused so many problems last year.

The threat hasn't gone away.

"This year it is H1N1, plus two other strains," said Dr. Lirette.

He expects some patients vaccinated last year might not come in this year.

"The majority of people will get them this year, probably more than normal but there are always people who don't."

This year, the CDC says pregnant women and anyone older than six months can get a shot.

It's a decision to make but soon.

Along with a flu shot, you can guard against the virus in others ways.

---Keep your hands clean. Wash and use sanitizer

----Cover your mouth or nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough. Cough into your sleeve.

----Avoid large crowds where the virus can spread easily.

----Stay at home when you are sick.

----Keep working area and living space disinfected.