LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Flu season has arrived and the Lake County Public Health has announced its community flu shot clinics.

Seasonal flu is a serious and contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus.

The elderly, young children and people with certain health conditions are at a higher risk for complications if they get sick with the flu.

Winter is generally considered flu season, but flu cases can peak as early as October and as late as April.

One of the best ways to avoid the flu is by getting vaccinated.

Hygiene also is important. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow. Frequent hand washing helps too. If you don’t have soap and water, use an alcohol based hand sanitizer.

Try not to touch your face with your hands. A virus can easily enter your system through your eyes, nose and mouth.

Making healthy lifestyle choices can also help to keep you well. Try to eat healthy foods, exercise regularly and get enough rest.

Help keep others well by staying home if you do get sick. Disinfect surfaces that you touch frequently, like door knobs, light switches and telephones.

Take good care of yourself and get vaccinated. Lake County Public Health will offer flu shots for $2.

Flu vaccinations are recommended for anyone 6 months of age or older and are available at the following clinics:

• Lake County Fairgrounds, 401 Martin St., Lakeport; Tuesday, Nov. 9, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. To keep traffic congestion to a minimum, it is recommended that people to come according to the first letter of their last name: A-L, 9:30 a.m. to noon; M-Z, noon to 3 p.m. Walk in and drive-through clinics will be offered. The drive-through option is available to all persons 50 and older and to adults (18 and older) with physical disabilities.

• Calpine Visitor Center, 15500 Central Park Road, Middletown; Tuesday, Nov. 16, 10 a.m. to noon.

• Lucerne Senior Center, 3985 Country Club Drive; Wednesday, Nov. 17, 10 a.m. to noon.

• Clearlake Youth Center, 4750 Golf Ave.; Thursday, Nov. 18, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Lake County Public Health, 922 Bevins Court, Lakeport; Monday, Nov. 22, 10 a.m. to noon.

• Lake County Public Health, 922 Bevins Court, Lakeport; Tuesday, Nov. 30, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

• Lake County Public Health, 922 Bevins Court, Lakeport; Monday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m. to noon.

• Lake County Public Health, 922 Bevins Court, Lakeport; Tuesday, Dec. 7, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information, contact the Lake County Public Health Division at 707-263-1090.