The common flu can be stopped cold.

The DeKalb County Health Department will be offering flu immunization shots to the public this fall.

Flu shots will be given on Oct. 6, Oct. 22 and Nov. 4 from 9 to 11 a.m. in the health department office.

Karen Grush, public health administrator for the DeKalb County Health Department, said October and November are the best times to receive flu shots.

People at high risk should receive annual re-vaccinations because the flu shot provides protection for less than 10 months, she said.

High risk people include those who are 65 and over or have chronic heart problems, lung problems or diabetes. “Flu vaccines are recommended for such individuals,” Grush said.

Some people do not take the flu seriously and often mistake it for something else, she said.

“The flu is not generally life-threatening, but it kills an average of 20,000 people every year, usually by turning into pneumonia,” she said.

The most commonly mistaken “bugs” for the flu are colds and stomach viruses that cause nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

Grush said influenza can cause stomach problems and other related symptoms. Classic symptoms of influenza include fever, chills, sore throat, headache, muscle aches and pains and a dry cough.

Once influenza symptoms stop, victims can still suffer for weeks from a weak, run-down feeling, Grush said.

Individuals can get the flu vaccine from their private physician or at flu vaccine clinics offered through the DeKalb County Health Department. The department charges $5 for one flu shot.

NIU also offers flu vaccines, but dates for these vaccines have not been announced.

For more information call 758-6673.