By TARYN FITSIK
NEW LEBALNON -- Anyone 65 years and older is at high risk for developing serious complications from the seasonal flu, and Columbia County is taking steps to protect the most vulnerable.
A seasonal flu clinic held in New Lebanon on Thursday was open to anyone who lives in Columbia County, ages 19-years and up.
However, this particular clinic attracted a large population of elderly people, for whom the flu can become a very serious illness.
For Mary Linton, getting the flu means more than just a sore throat and chills.
"I've had the flu in the past and it was horrible," says Linton. "I don't ever want to experience that again."
Linton lives with a chronic lung problem, so a flu vaccination can make all the difference in keeping her out of the hospital.
"I'm at a higher risk for complications if I do get the flu," says Linton. "So prevention is worth everything."
Linton joined 70 other people today at the clinic Thursday, offering seniors an easy venue to get vaccinated.
Many of them say once they heard about the clinic, they didn't think twice about getting in line.
"I don't think there's any question about it," says Bill Schwartz. "There's no health hazard, except not taking it."
"It eliminates the spread of the flu," adds Patricia Leavenworth. "The more people that get the flu shot, the better the chances are it's not going to spread everywhere."
It takes about two weeks after vaccination for people to develop protection against the flu, but seniors say it ultimately comes down to the bigger picture. More vaccinations mean fewer cases of the flu, equaling a healthier community.
"There really is no other protection against this virus unless you want to sit home enclosed in your own 4 walls until this season is over," says Linton.
"The fewer people who have the illness, the less transmission there is in the broader community. And that is so important."
So far, there have been no documented cases of the seasonal flu in Columbia County.
7 more flu clinics will be held there this month. For more information, click on the link under "Related Stories" at the top right of the page.
