Chico >> Flu season is just around the corner, and hospitals are offering free clinics to protect the community from illness.

Enloe Medical Center’s Judy Cline, director of the Emergency Department, Prompt Care and Trauma Services, said people can be exposed through objects like pencils, keyboards, doorknobs and grocery carts, as well as coughs and sneezes.

While the flu is uncomfortable for healthy individuals, it can be lethal for those older than 65, young children, babies and people with chronic conditions.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recent influenza-associated deaths in the United States ranged from a low of 12,000 during 2011-2012 to a high of 56,000 during 2012-2013.

Those who don’t present symptoms can still be carriers and spread the flu to more vulnerable populations, Cline said.

“If you’re not going to do it for yourself, do it for other people,” Cline said. “The flu does kill people every year, so it’s not something to be taken lightly.”

Local clinics have traditional walk-in options, but there will also be drive-thru vaccinations offered in Oroville and Chico. Community members can just drive up, roll down their windows and roll up their sleeves.

“You don’t even have to get out of your car,” Cline said. “We try to make it as easy as possible.”

Flu seasons vary, but often start in the fall around October and can last into spring.

While there’s not really a deadline, it’s best to get the vaccine as soon as possible, Cline said. Clinics can run out of vaccines. Flu shots cause antibodies to develop in the body, which provide protection against the strains of viruses that are in the vaccine. However, this takes about two weeks after the shot is administered.

Many people believe they can get the flu from receiving a vaccine, which is just a myth. Typically someone was already infected or contracted a different strain not included in the vaccine. This year’s vaccine covers four common flu strains.

Just because someone has been sick during flu season doesn’t mean they cannot get a shot. Cline recommended that anybody in that situation speak with their doctor. The illness could have been gastroenteritis, rather than the flu. The flu is a respiratory disease that includes a sore throat, bad cough, fever and chills, she said, not just vomiting and diarrhea.

Reactions to flu shots are generally localized. Some people may become sore at the shot site, and others do have allergic reactions to things contained in the vaccine, like gelatin, eggs or antibiotics. This is why those receiving the vaccine for the first time usually wait 10 to 15 minutes before leaving the clinic.

It’s also good idea for people to talk to their doctor before getting the shot if they have certain allergies.

Prevention tips

Here are some prevention tips to avoid contracting the flu this year.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue away.

• Get vaccinated. The flu can circulate through March. The old adage “better late than never” applies when it comes to getting the vaccine. However, Cline urges people get shots as soon as they can. “Take advantage of it before it gets you,” she said.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, with alcohol-based sanitizer as a second option if no soap is available. “Careful handwashing throughout the season is important,” Cline said. “You need to be thinking about what your hands are touching.”

• Don’t touch your eyes, nose and mouth — it’s an effective way to spread germs.

• Stay home when you’re sick, take care of yourself and limit contact with others. Cline said people often feel guilty about not coming to work, but the best thing you can do is stay home and not expose others.

Clinics

Here is a list of the free clinics scheduled by Oroville Hospital and Enloe Medical Center in Chico through November.

Chico

Free drive-thru clinic

The vaccines protect against four common flu strains and can be given to those ages 3 and older. It’s first come, first serve.

Date: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sept 21

Place: Calvary Chapel, 1888 Springfield Drive, Chico

Note: Wear short sleeves or clothing that allows easy access to the upper arm.

Free walk-in clinic

This one has evening hours for those who aren’t available during the day. Ages 3 and older can be vaccinated.

Date: Oct. 3, 7-11 a.m. and 3-7 p.m.

Place: Chico Elk’s Lodge, 1705 Manzanita Ave., Chico

Community Wellness Expo clinic

Preservative-free vaccines for expecting mothers will be available. Ages 3 and older can be vaccinated.

Date: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Nov. 4

Place: Enloe Medical Center, corner of West Fifth and Magnolia avenues, Chico.

Note: Please park in the Enloe parking structure at Magnolia and West Sixth avenues.

Oroville

Salmon Festival free walk-in clinic

At the Oroville Hospital Health Fair at the Salmon Festival. People must be more than 12 years old. They are available while supplies last.

Date: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., September 23

Place: Up on the levee on Arlin Rhine Memorial Dr.

Drive-thru clinic

Oroville Hospital also hosts an annual drive-thru clinic for those still in need of vaccinations. People must be more than 12 years old.

Date: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., October 19

Place: Dove’s Landing parking lot, 2450 Oro Dam Blvd.

More

Shots during pregnancy

Mothers are also welcome to make appointments to receive a free flu vaccine through Enloe’s Women’s Services. For more information, expecting mothers should contact their obstetrics and gynecology office, or call Enloe’s Margie Rackley at 332-6444.

Pharmacy vaccines

Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, Raley’s and Rite Aid all offer flu shots during the season, as well. Vaccinefinder.org is a great way to figure out which locations offer them, their hours and directions.

More clinics

Butte County Public Health sponsors many free clinics throughout the season. There is a toll free line with more information at 1-866-444-2405.

For more information about Enloe’s services, visit enloe.org/flu or call 322-7017.

Information about Oroville Hospital’s services can be found by visiting orovillehospital.com or by calling 533-8500.