I Know I Have The Flu Because a Friend of a Friend Told Me So

I have the flu. This miserable illness, that I've been informed is "going around," comes complete with nausea, headache, body aches, and exhaustion. It really hangs on too. I've had it for almost two weeks while some others have reported symptoms persisting up to three weeks.

My case was verified by a doctor, but before that it was a matter of matching symptoms with others I knew and saying "that really sounds like what I have." No, really. I was basing my professional diagnosis off the fact that my nurse, her mother, and I all had similar flu-like symptoms.

It appears that Influenza is making the rounds early this year. Unfortunately the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) isn't a lot of help. This excerpt is straight from their site:

Flu seasons are unpredictable in a number of ways. Although epidemics of flu happen every year, the timing, severity, and length of the epidemic depends on many factors, including what influenza viruses are spreading and whether they match the viruses in the vaccine.

The CDC does recommend getting a Flu Shot, but they can't predict what strain of Influenza will be predominant this year. Still, a Flu Shot is better than nothing.

Where to get your Flu Shot:

• Target - 1611 Blue Lakes Blvd N. They give them in the pharmacy. No appointment necessary. Hours: M-F: 9:00AM - 7:00PM, Sat: 9:00AM - 5:00PM, and Sun: 11:00AM - 5:00PM

• Walmart - 252 Cheney Dr W. They offer clinics and they have one today. Thursday, September, 13, 2012, hours 11:00 AM - 03:00 PM

• Walgreens - 306 Blue Lakes Blvd N. Flu Shots are available daily.

• South Central Public Health - 1020 Washington Street North. Flu Shots are given Tuesdays from 4:00 pm - 5:50 pm, and Wednesdays 8:00 am - 4:00 pm.

• Your Doctor's Office - Schedule an appointment to see your General Practitioner for a Flu Shot.