Free flu shots offered Thursday

Nov. 19--CARLSBAD -- The Carlsbad New Mexico Department of Health's Public Health Office in Carlsbad is hosting a free flu shot clinic from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday at the North Mesa Senior Center.

Dave Morgan, public information officer for the New Mexico Department of Health in Las Cruces, said the flu season, which runs from October to March, has been low in activity so far.

"Currently, flu activity in the state of New Mexico is only sporadic," Morgan said. "Flu season's been very mild nationwide."

But with four months left in flu season, Morgan said there is still time for the virus to pick up, especially as temperatures continue to drop.

Everyone six months of age or older is encouraged to be vaccinated against the flu. Some groups are more at risk, though, like young children and those over 50, according to a release from the NM Dept. of Health.

Although flu activity in the state is relatively low, Morgan said the southeast region of the state has the second-highest area of flu activity in the state.

"It's attributed to the diet and lifestyle of those in the southeast," he said, citing higher numbers of smokers, obese people and people with diabetes in this area of New Mexico.

"When you do things physically through diet or lack of exercise or tobacco use that weaken you body, it's going to weaken your immune system as well," he said.

Morgan said there is no shortage of vaccinations currently.

"There's going to be enough vaccine for everyone," he said.

Those who go to the clinic should bring their insurance cards if they have one.

The following groups are especially at risk for the flu and should consider getting vaccinated:

* Children 6 months through 4 years of age

* Pregnant women (any trimester)

* People age 50 and older

* People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, lung or heart disease and those with compromised immune systems

* People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities

* People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu

* American Indians and Alaskan Natives

* People who are morbidly obese

* Healthcare and early childhood personnel

Maddy Hayden can be reached at 575-628-5512.

___

(c)2015 the Carlsbad Current-Argus (Carlsbad, N.M.)

Visit the Carlsbad Current-Argus (Carlsbad, N.M.) at www.currentargus.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.