Measures to prevent the spread of the flu virus take on an added urgency during the COVID-19 pandemic. Health professionals say efforts to minimize infl uenza may help preserve hospital capacity that may be needed if COVID-19 cases continue to rise.

The Chickasaw Nation Department of Health (CNDH) is providing fl u vaccinations at no cost to the public at various locations within the Chickasaw Nation.

Flu vaccinations are available to anyone at CNDH testing sites, located in the parking lots of the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center and Chickasaw Nation clinics in Ardmore, Purcell and Tishomingo. The vaccinations are available Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Hours of operation are subject to change during inclement weather.

In addition, Chickasaw Nation Public Health Nursing is providing no cost fl u shot clinics at various locations throughout the Chickasaw Nation, including community centers. Anyone 6 months and older can be vaccinated at these events. Masks and responsible distancing will be required. For information on upcoming fl u shot clinic dates and locations, visit Chickasaw. net/Flu.

The Chickasaw Nation also provides regional county health departments within the Chickasaw Nation jurisdiction, with fl u vaccines to administer to community members and schools.

Health officials encourage everyone ages 6 months and older to get a fl u vaccine each year. Getting a fl u shot is the most important step in protecting yourself against the fl u. The vaccine also helps defend against unknowingly spreading the fl u to co-workers, family members and others who may be at high risk for fl u-related complications.

Certain age groups, such as children and adults 65 years of age and older, are commonly known to be at high risk for developing fl u-related complications, but others should be aware as well. Pregnant women and First Americans are high risk also, according to the CDC.

The most common signs and symptoms of the fl u are all or some combination of the following: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue.

The virus spreads easily from person to person through sneezing, coughing, sharing drinks and sometimes by touch. Those who have contracted the fl u are encouraged to keep a safe distance from others by staying home from work, school and other activities.

According to the CDC, most healthy adults have the ability to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to seven days after becoming sick.

How to slow the spread of germs

• Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or