American Red Cross Urges You to Get Flu Shot

NASHVILLE — What’s the best word to describe flu season? Unpredictable. Flu activity in the U.S. commonly peaks in January or February, according to the Centers for Disease Control, but seasonal flu activity can begin as early as October and continue through late May.

That’s why it’s important for everyone six months of age and older to get protection from this serious disease by getting a yearly flu vaccine.  

The CDC also recommends staying away from sick people, frequent hand washing to reduce the spread of germs, and staying home from work or school when you’re sick to prevent spreading the flu.

A healthy population means a healthy pool of blood donors. The Red Cross encourages you to skip flu season this year. Stay healthy and give life through blood donation.

Locally, you may give blood on Thursday, Nov. 17, from 12 noon to 6 p.m. at Lions Club Building located at 540 W. Adams St. in Woodbury.

In addition to illness, winter blood drives are often cancelled due to inclement weather and school closings. You can help maintain an adequate blood supply by staying healthy and giving blood when the weather permits during the winter months.

How to Donate Blood:

Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org for more information or to make an appointment. All blood types are needed to ensure the Red Cross maintains an adequate blood supply. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Donors must be in general good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and be at least 17 years old (16 with completed Parental Consent Form). New height and weight restrictions apply to donors 18 and younger. 

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.