The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases reports that the flu affects between 5 and 20 percent of the U.S. population each year from the fall through the spring. 

But, nonetheless, we can always expect to be surrounded by sneezing and coughing for a few months out of every year. 

The coughing, fever, headache, sore throat, and runny nose that come with the flu can be enough to keep one bedridden for a week or more. It can also really put a damper on work and social lives. 

If one is worried about missing out on holiday celebrations, family events, social activities, or work, flu prevention is key. Getting an annual flu shot can spare the misery of illness and ensure that you don’t miss out on activities and events this season.

Besides inconveniencing the person who is sick, they stand the risk of infecting others.

No, the vaccine is not 100 percent effective in preventing the flu. However, it is still the most effective method to protect against this virus and its related complications.

Sure, the length and severity of this annual epidemic may vary. Before each new flu season, federal health experts predict which three strains of the flu are most likely to thrive. They use that information to manufacture the appropriate vaccines.

The more people who get vaccinated, the more people will be protected from flu, including older people, very young children, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions who are more vulnerable to serious flu complications.

Starting Monday, the Barton County Health Department will have the vaccines available. The department has expanded its hours and is offering outreach clinics around the county to immunize folks. The staff will even visit the homebound and give shots through car windows in the department’s parking lot.

Get the shot, if for not other reason than to help keep the rest of us healthy.