LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – It’s “flu” season and the Lake County Public Health Division has announced its 2013-14 community influenza vaccination clinics.

Getting vaccinated is a great way to avoid getting the flu. Anyone 6 months of age or older is encouraged to get a flu vaccine.

Being careful to use good hygiene is another way to protect yourself and those around you. If you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or the crook of your arm instead of your hands.

A virus can easily be passed from your hands to the things you touch. Wash your hands often and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available. Try not to touch your face with your hands.

A virus can enter your system through the membranes of your eyes, nose and mouth. Protect yourself by avoiding close contact with anyone who is sick.

Choosing a healthful lifestyle can also help to keep you well. Getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, drinking plenty of water and staying physically active can help to maintain a healthy immune system. Together, we can help to decrease the spread of influenza in our community.

The symptoms of the flu include a temperature of over 100 degrees F combined with a cough, sore throat, body aches, headache and a lack of energy. If you are ill, stay home to keep from infecting others.

Each year the Lake County Public Health Division receives state-funded seasonal flu vaccine. For the 2013-14 season, 1,430 doses have been provided.

They also will be offering Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) vaccines at no cost for adults 19 years of age and older.

This vaccine is recommended for anyone that has never had a Tdap vaccine and is especially important for adults who will be in close contact with young infants.

Supplies are limited, so these vaccines will be available on a first come, first served basis.

Seasonal flu vaccines are $2.

The Lake County Public Health Clinic schedule for the seasonal flu vaccines is as follows:

Clearlake

– Wednesday, Oct. 16, 10 a.m. to noon, Highlands Senior Community Center, 3245 Bowers Road.

Middletown

– Tuesday, Oct. 22, 10 a.m. to noon, Calpine Visitors Center, 15500 Central Park Road.

Lucerne

– Wednesday, Oct. 23, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Lucerne Senior Center, 10th and Country Club Drive.

Lakeport

– Thursday, Oct. 24, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Seventh-day Adventist Church, 3500 Hill Road East.

– Tuesday, Oct. 29, 10 a.m. to noon, Public Health Division, 922 Bevins Court.

– Thursday, Oct. 31, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Public Health Division, 922 Bevins Court.

Flu vaccinations are also available in a variety of locations such as your primary care provider and local pharmacies.

The Lake County Public Health Division wishes you all a healthy and happy fall and winter season.

Please call 1-800-794-9291 or 707-263-1090 with questions or concerns.