This year's influenza virus vaccine protects against the Beijing, Sydney and Harbin flus.

Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center nurse Vicky McDowell, right, gave a influenza virus vaccine to Clara Thurston at the health center. More than 5,000 people were vaccinated against the flu at the center last year.

It's time for your annual flu shot.

Don't like needles? Well, the consequences of not receiving a flu vaccination can be a lot worse than a slight pain in the arm.

Each year hospitals are flooded with patients suffering from influenza and its complications. Physician waiting rooms fill quickly and employers are faced with finding replacements for those workers home in bed, sick with the flu.

Dr. Kimberly Wood who practices internal medicine, provided the following facts concerning the flu. Influenza (flu) is a serious disease which spreads when influenza viruses pass from an infected person to the nose or throat of others. Symptoms can include fever, chills, headaches, cough, sore throat and muscle aches.

Influenza and its complications must be taken seriously. The flu can lead to pneumonia and death. While most people are ill for only a few days, some have a much more serious illness and may need to be hospitalized. Thousands of people die each year from influenza-related illnesses. The largest number of deaths occur with the elderly.

The flu vaccine is recommended for a variety of people. Dr. Khalid Kahn, specializing in pulmonary diseases, said, "While the vaccine is considered mostly for people over 65, those with debilitating diseases such as diabetes, congestive heart problems, emphysema and asthma should also be vaccinated."

Persons working in the health field along with anyone who is a primary health care giver for a homebound patient should receive the vaccine," said Charlotte Craig, director of Cape Girardeau Public Health Clinic.

Residents of long term care facilities housing persons of any age with chronic medical conditions, those less able to fight infections and people who suffer from serious long-term health problems should be vaccinated.

Dr. David Catron said that while anyone may receive the vaccine, he recommends it for people over 65 or those suffering from chronic illnesses.

Will the vaccine keep you from getting the flu this year? Craig said the vaccine isn't a cure-all. "The Center for Disease Control in Atlanta tracks various strains of the flu worldwide. When a particular trend develops, the center selects which viruses will be targeted in the vaccine."

Receiving a flu shot won't prevent you from getting a cold or other respiratory infection, but it will offer protection against the more serious influenza viruses. Parents considering flu shots for children should first check with the child's pediatrician.

Many businesses encourage employees to receive the vaccine. This helps to keep the work place healthier and prevents time lost for employee sick days.

Pneumonia shots are also available this year. Again, this preventative measure is highly recommended for the elderly and those suffering from a chronic illness.

Outbreaks of the flu in the U.S. are most common from December to April. Since it takes one to two weeks after receiving the vaccine for protection to begin, it is best to receive the flu shot in the fall.

Shots are available at various medical facilities throughout the area. Cost is determined by the administering facility.