LONGVIEW (KYTX) - Justin you know October is the beginning of flu season and inside of the Gregg County Health District, people are getting their flu shot right now. 14 case of the flu have been reported right here in Gregg County and health care workers all over East Texas are encouraging people to get their flu shots.
Ashlen Walls got the flu twice...once as a child and once as adult.
"Your body aches a lot and you're tired and you just lay there, your 'e pretty miserable."
The last time she had it -- the symptoms were unforgettable...
"I woke up in the middle of the night I was hot and cold and had the shakes."
That's why she's getting her flu shot today, to avoid that dreadful experience.
"Prevention is truly getting a flu shot every year."
Cheryl Herbert with Good Shepherd Medical Center's Infection and Prevention Control Department says vaccinations are critical because the flu is spread so easily.
"You pick it up on your hands and touch your eyes, nose and mouth and that's how it enters your system."
People at high risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, people with health conditions like asthma or diabetes and those who are 65 and older.
And if you do happen to catch the virus there's only one thing to do.
"Many people especially those with underlying health conditions should visit their physicians."
At least that way you can get relief from the symptoms.
Ashlen Walls says she'll keep getting vaccinated to keep from getting the flu in the first place.
"Because, I don't want to get it ever again."
A concern that some may have before getting their flu shot is whether or not they'll get some type of reaction, the CDC says the chances of getting an allergic reaction is extremely small.
Of course people who are allergic to eggs should never get the flu shot. Doctors say while it's rare some people may experience flu-like symptoms after vaccination but not the actual flu.
