LYNCHBURG — From all accounts from those unlucky enough to have caught it so far this year, the 2024-25 versions of the flu are no joke. Luckily, the Tennessee Department of Health offers free flue shots in Moore County as well as across the state at no cost.

The Moore County Health Department is located at 251 Majors Boulevard. They are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. but they do close daily from 12-1 p.m. for lunch. You can call them at 931.759.4251 for additional details.

“During flu prevention season, the Tennessee Department of Health is making all Tennesseans aware of locations where they can receive a free flu shot to protect themselves, their families, and their neighbors,’’ TDH Commissioner Ralph Alvarado, MD, FACP said. “We thank County Health Departments for making this service available to individuals and families across the Volunteer State.”

All Tennesseans, six months and older, are eligible to get the flu vaccine. During the 2023 to 2024 flu season, 34-million-to-75-million illnesses and 17,000-to-100,000 deaths were estimated to have occurred nationally. Many illnesses and deaths could be prevented through increased flu vaccination. The flu vaccine is safe and effective and can protect against the most common types of circulating flu viruses, and the flu’s worst symptoms.

It’s important to avoid close contact with those who are sick with the flu. If you become sick, limit contact with others as much as possible and stay at home. Wash your hands often with soap and water, and cover your nose and mouth with a tissue, or with your arm at the elbow, when you cough or sneeze.

If you do get the flu, your doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs as treatment. Antivirals can make flu symptoms milder and shorten the time someone is sick with the flu. Antivirals are not available as an over-the-counter flu treatment and should be taken only as prescribed by a physician or health care provider. Flu symptoms can range from mild to severe and include muscle aches, fever, fatigue, sore throat, cough, headaches, and stuffy or runny noses.

Learn more about TDH services and programs at www.tn.gov/health.•

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