A $15 investment now could pay off in a few months. Yes, it's time for annual flu shots and taking one just might save your health and money.

The U.S. Labor Department estimated a person who comes down with the flu will miss 2.8 days of work and lose $398 in wages.

Realizing the economic and health risks, the Harvey County Health Department will offer its annual influenza vaccination starting this month.

"We want to keep people out of emergency rooms and doctors' offices," said health department director Rita Flickinger. "Vaccinations prevent the burden on medical and insurance systems."

Every year the Center for Disease Control identifies an influenza problem by studying the illnesses in Asian countries.

JoAnne Kilmer, registered nurse at the health department, prepares to give Adrianne Hardey a shot as Adrianne's father, Andy, holds her.

Influenza tends to start in Asia and spread worldwide, so by citing a strain early, the CDC can specify which vaccination will be needed the most. Flickinger said this year's strain is the same as last year's, but vaccinations given last year are no longer effective.

Protection from the vaccine develops two weeks after getting the shot and may last up to a year. Some people who are vaccinated may still get the flu, but they will usually contract a milder case than those without the shot.

"Influenza is so easy to prevent," said Carolyn Carter, health department health educator. "The complications may result in hospitalization, which can be costly both economically and health-wise."

The best time to be vaccinated is in October and November because the flu season usually peaks between January and March, Flickinger said. The health department has designated several locations and times for vaccinations to be administered around the county.

Flickinger said anyone can go to the health department to be vaccinated beyond the designated times. The health department opens a walk-in clinic each Thursday from 1:30 to 6 p.m.

Influenza is not to be mistaken with a common stomach flu, which the shot will not prevent, Flickinger said. Influenza affects the respiratory tract, not the stomach or intestines, and spreads from person to person when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks, and the virus is sent into the air. Unlike other viral respiratory infections, influenza may cause severe illness and life-threatening complications in many people.

Flu symptoms include fever, headache, extreme exhaustion, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches. Children may have additional symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, but these symptoms are uncommon in adults.

Ten to 20 percent of Americans get the flu, and an average of 114,000 are hospitalized because of it. About 20,000 Americans die on average per year from the complications of flu.

Studies on healthy young adults have shown the flu vaccine to be 70 to 90 percent effective in preventing the flu.

Harvey County Health Department has prioritized the supply of vaccine to be given in October to those who are in the highest risk groups. In November everyone at risk is encouraged to participate in the immunization program.