Be a Hero – Get a Flu Shot!

In January, flu-related illness is on the increase.

According to Buncombe County Health and Human Services Director Gibbie Harris, cases of flu are occurring in our area, and there have been approximately a dozen deaths from flu illness across the state this season.

Instead of risking the flu this winter, be a hero and protect yourself and those you care about by following these simple steps to prevent spreading and getting the flu:

1.    Cover your cough

2.    Wash your hands

3.    Stay home if you’re sick

4.    Get a flu shot

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommends that all individuals over six months of age get the flu vaccine every year. Flu vaccine is effective for a whole year and is usually available from your healthcare provider, drug stores, and grocery stores.

Also, BC HHS, located at 40 Coxe Avenue in downtown Asheville, offers flu mist and flu shots. No appointment is needed, free parking is available, and they are open M-F, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The costs of flu vaccine at BC HHS:

•     Flu mist: $33, recommended for healthy individuals ages 2-49;

•     Regular flu shot: $26, available for anyone over 6 months old; and

•     High-dose flu shot: $42, available for adults 65 years and older.

BC HHS accepts Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance, and self-pay (cash, check, debit or credit card). Those with no insurance may qualify for no-cost vaccine based on eligibility.

For more information about the flu vaccine, please call the Flu Hotline at (828) 250-6400 or visit www.buncombecounty.org/flu for links to flu posters and flu updates.