H1N1: Flu shots are now available to anyone. Seasonal flu: Nasal spray vaccine, for healthy people ages 2-49 who are not pregnant, is available.

As seasonal flu season begins, SMDC Health System can help you stay healthy and informed.

Seasonal flu usually peaks in Minnesota in January or February but it can vary. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that you get vaccinated as long as there is flu activity in your community and vaccine is available.

Symptoms for seasonal flu and H1N1 flu (also known as swine flu) are the same, so public health officials urge you to get both a seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 vaccine. The H1N1 vaccine is now available to anyone.

If you are an SMDC patient, call your doctor to schedule an appointment to get a vaccination.

Public health Web sites
Here are useful public health Web sites:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Minnesota Department of Health
• Wisconsin Department of Health Services