SILVER CITY >> It may be an early flu season this year as the first case of flu in the state was reported two weeks ago - in mid September - that's a full two months earlier than last year when the first flu case was not reported until November.
"This is really early," said Margaret Diaz, nurse manager at the Grant County Public Health Office. "We always say it is going to come late October early November but it's early and there has already been one confirmed case. It's been so wet and everything has been so different with the weather, it's hard to tell what kind of flu season we are going to have."
But there is plenty of flu vaccine available, she said, and the Health Office will be offering free flu shots three days this week, at their office at 2610 N. Silver St., including one with late hours to accommodate those who work days and can't get there during the day.
The first clinic will be Tuesday with hours from 8 a.m. to noon and then 1 to 7 p.m. They will also be offering shots on Wednesday from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m., and on Friday, from 8 a.m. to noon.
People should bring their Medicare, Medicaid, or insurance card, but if they don't have insurance, it is free.
"We have a lot," she said of the vaccine. "There is an abundant supply out there so people shouldn't worry that it's going
to run out. It takes two weeks to work, and you have to be a minimum of six months old and older to get your first one," she said of the shots.On Friday, Diaz said the Public Health Office hadn't received their shipment of nasal flu mist yet, but they were expecting some. The mist can be given to children age two and older, and adults up to age 49, she said.
Walgreens is also offering flu shots anytime during pharmacy hours, which are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends. The cost, without insurance, is $31.99. Albertson's pharmacy is another local spot where folks can get their flu shot, again during pharmacy hours, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Call for cost. Silver Health Care is also offering a flu shot clinic Oct. 12 for their existing patients only, both adults and children. They will offer the shots to any adult, at their Deming Clinic, the same day.
New Mexico Department of Health Secretary Retta Ward said it's hard to predict how severe this flu season will be.
"But the flu vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and loved ones from flu," she said.
The state's health department reminds people that, to avoid the flu or passing it on to others, everyone should wash their hands frequently, cover their mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing and stay home when ill.
"We will be going senior centers later in the season," Diaz said, "and we may plan another late clinic."
For more information on the flu, check the CDC website cdc.gov/flu.
Christine Steele can be reached at 575-538-5893 ext. 5802.
Las Cruces Sun-News reporter Brook Stockberger contributed to this report.
