Influenza, more commonly known as the flu, is a respiratory illness caused mainly by infection from two kinds of flu virus, influenza A and influenza B. People experience can range from mild to severe symptoms, but when complications such as pneumonia occur these viruses can be deadly. Every year, of the 10-20% of Americans that get the flu, an average of 36,000 people die and 114,000 people are hospitalized due to complications.

Annual vaccination with a flu shot is the best way to prevent influenza. It is especially important for populations at risk for serious complications, such as very young children, pregnant women, people with long-term health conditions, and people 50 years old and older, to get a flu vaccine each year.

The Corpus Christi-Nueces County Public Health District has been offering flu vaccination since Monday, October 22 at the Horne Road Immunization Clinic on 1702 Horne Road and at the Robstown Immunization Clinic, 710 East Main Street.  For more information visit Corpus Christi - Nueces County Public Health district web page. http://www.cctexas.com/?fuseaction=main.view&page=2099

For more information call: 361-826-7200

Related Links:

• What you need to know about the flu.

• Fighting the flu

• Flu vaccination facts

HEALTH  CLINICS

Mission of Merci is a nonprofit  501 (c)(3), nonsectarian community-based organization which provides free medical and dental services and prescription medications to the uninsured working poor, homeless and economically disadvantaged people in several states including  Texas via a mobile medical clinic.

Mission of Mercy Coastal Bend  has four to five clinic locations in Corpus Christi and the surrounding areas:

FUMC-CC: First United Methodist Church, Corpus Christi (Appointments: 361-939-7207 - Call Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday from 9am to noon)
St. Paul-CC: St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Corpus Christi (Appointments: 361-939-7207 - Call Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday from 9am to noon)
ERMC-R: El Redentor United Methodist Church, Robstown (Appointments: 361-549-9000 - Call Tuesday or Thursday between 2pm and 4pm)
FUMC-B: First United Methodist Church, Bishop (Appointments: 361-549-9000 - Call Tuesday or Thursday between 2pm and 4pm)
St. John-OG: St. John of the Cross Catholic Church, Orange Grove (Appointments: 361-549-9000 - Call Tuesday or Thursday between 2pm and 4pm)
 

For more information contact: Francis Zamudio or visit Mission of Mercy http://www.amissionofmercy.org/contact_us/clinic_schedule_tx.asp