BonnerSprings.com

The flu season is coming, and hundreds of area residents are preparing for battle.

More than 400 Bonner Springs and surrounding-area residents got their flu shots last week, hoping to avoid the winter bug that left so many people bedridden last winter.

Registered nurses from Healthy Solutions were on hand at Price Chopper in Bonner Springs last week, to inject customers with last year's virus, and help their bodies build up the necessary antibodies to fight the influenza bug.

Linda McAvoy grins and bears it as she gets a flu shot from registered nurse Alexandra Tierney Saturday afternoon at Price Chopper.

Nurse Alexandra Tierney immunized close to 100 people Saturday between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

"We've had a pretty good turnout since we've been here," she said. "A lot of people don't want to go through what they went through last year."

Tierney said the shot decreases the recipient's chances of contracting the flu, but emphasized that it provided no guarantee.

"There's always a chance that you can still get the flu," she said. "But it does help your body build up a resistance."

Although national reports indicated there would be a shortage of the flu vaccine this year, Tierney said her company has had plenty.

"I have had a lot of people tell me their personal doctors won't have the shot available until November, or that they won't have them at all this year," she said. "But so far, we haven't had a problem."

Before receiving a vaccine from Tierney, each customer had to answer a series of questions. She asked them about their allergies and about their history with the vaccine.

"I had one lady who told me she got very sick after getting the shot last year, so I advised he not to get one," she said. "I can't see putting someone through that if it has made them sick in the past."

Like any vaccine, the flu shot can cause some people to experience side effects such as dizziness and nausea, she said.

"Those cases are very, very rare, but there's always that possibility," she said. "That's why I always ask people to stick around for a few minutes after they get their shot."

Linda McAvoy of Bonner Springs is among those who believe the flu shot is worthwhile.

"I get one every year if I can and they've never made me sick," she said.

Whether you get the shot or not, Tierney said, a little common sense can go long way toward preventing the flu.

"Obviously, get plenty of rest, eat correctly and drink plenty of fluids," she said. "Use common sense with hygiene, such as washing your hands, particularly when you use a public restroom."

Public telephones are also a prime breeding ground for virus-causing germs, Tierney said.

"Telephones are the worst," she said. "They should be washed or sprayed every day. You have no idea the amount of germs on the mouthpieces of most phones."

Perhaps the most important advice Tierney could give is to those who think they are doing their co-workers a favor by working through the illness.

"If you get sick, for heaven's sake, stay home," she said. "You're not doing anyone a favor by spreading it around."