This week was National influenza Vaccination week which is designed to raise awareness of the importance of flu shots.
According to the National Network of Immunization Information, influenza, or the flu, causes approximately 36,000 deaths and 148,000 hospitalizations each year in the United States.
They say influenza is spread through coughing and sneezing, and is highly contagious, especially in childcare centers, schools, and nursing homes.
Dr. Douglas Larsen of the Augusta-Staunton Health Department urges everyone to go out and get a flu shot.
He says, "Everybody should get a flu shot. Now you say, 'If everybody showed up then we wouldn't have enough.' That's true, but if they ran out, I can guarantee you the pharmacies next year or the companies that make this, if they see there's a demand, you can bet that they will produce the amount of vaccine that we need."
The N.N.I.I. estimates that more than 90 percent of influenza-related deaths are in people aged 65 years or older. Larsen says if you're allergic to eggs, don't get the flu shot.