Published: Saturday, October 13, 2012 1:07 AM CDT

Officials in South Dakota are urging all residents to get the flu vaccine as soon as possible.

The state has already confirmed four cases of influenza as of Oct. 9, all of which were in children. Kids account for a significant number of flu cases and hospitalizations each year, and also help spread the flu in communities.

The state is providing free flu vaccines for all children from six months old through 18 years old.

Flu vaccines are recommended for everyone, though some groups are at more risk than others including young children, pregnant women, people over 50 years old and those with chronic medical conditions.

“The Department of Health (DOH) recommends annual flu vaccination for everyone over the age of six months,” said Barb Buhler, public information office for the DOH.

Symptoms of the flu include a sudden onset of illness, chills, headache, stuffy or runny nose, the feeling of fatigue or weakness, a cough (which may initially be dry, but become a painful, hacking cough), fever, sore throat, muscle or body aches, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain and exhaustion and lack of an appetite for food or desire to drink fluids.

“Influenza cases have already been confirmed in South Dakota this season, so we know the virus is circulating,” Buhler said. “We encourage people to protect themselves and get vaccinated.”

According to the Center for Disease Control, influenza cases in South Dakota have been sporadic, which is similar to cases in other neighboring states including Minnesota and Iowa. There has been no reported activity of influenza in Nebraska or North Dakota thus far.

The Yankton School District (YSD) is offering a free seasonal flu clinic for all of its students. Parents do not need to be present during the flu shot clinic, but do need to fill out and sign a consent form for the shot.

The clinic will take place at Beadle School Oct. 24, Lincoln School Oct. 30, Stewart School Oct. 24 and Webster School Oct. 23. Yankton Middle School will have the flu shots offered the morning of Oct. 23. Yankton High School will offer its students a free flu shot during the morning of Oct. 31.

The Center also hosted a flu shot clinic this past week.

“We had 35 individuals who received the flu vaccination, which was administered by registered nurse Mary Pesek from the Avera Occupational Medicine Department,” said Christy Hauer, executive director of The Center. “Mary said she is advising everyone to get their flu shots. We are grateful to Avera for sending us a nurse to conduct our annual flu clinic, which is a great service to the community.”

Veterans can get free flu shots at the Sioux Falls VA medical center on Oct. 15 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Oct. 22 also from 7-4 and Oct. 31 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Flu shots will also be given at the Wagner VA Clinic Oct. 19 and Oct. 26 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Many other businesses and organizations in Yankton are also offering flu shots for the public including Rogers Pharmacy, Hy-Vee, Walgreens, Avera Hospital and the Yankton Medical Clinic, among others.

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