Seasonal flu shot clinic coming next week

I am going to broach several issues.

First and foremost, I want to once again thank the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency and all of the various individuals from Dr. John Walker on down for taking a profound leadership role in addressing the health care of our West Side communities.

From 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, the Health Services Agency will perform a seasonal influenza vaccine clinic — which is open to the public — in the Teachers Learning Center (Room 32) at Northmead Elementary School, 625 L St.

While there is a $20-per-adult and $10-per-child administrative fee, this is a small price to pay for the service the agency renders. And I have been told that no one will be turned away based on ability to pay.

Keep in mind that this is for seasonal flu only. There will be no H1N1 vaccines administered Tuesday. When the agency is ready for county-wide H1N1 vaccination clinics, that will be announced, and I will do my part by writing about it in my column.

With national shortages for both seasonal and H1N1 vaccines, the action of the county HSA to obtain such a large, proactive dose for the West Side and the rest of Stanislaus County not only was prudent, it was extremely praiseworthy.

Secondly, as I have done nearly every year since writing this column, I want to take the time to tell people that autumn is here. With it will come more rain.

I cannot emphasize how important it is to drive in rain mode. That means slower speeds and more space between you and other vehicles. The vast majority of motor vehicle accidents that occur during the rain happen because drivers fail to do one or both of those things.

Finally, other than spring, this is the worst time of the year for allergy sufferers.

Again, a proactive approach is best. Waiting until you are stuffy and miserable not only does the obvious (makes you miserable), but also sets you up for viral and bacterial sinus, nose, throat and lung infections.

Taking an oral antihistamine — loratadine, Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra — is your first line of defense, along with avoiding allergy triggers and increasing fluid intake. Nasal sprays and inhaled medicines usually come next.

Get proactive and talk to your health care provider as soon as possible about what course of treatment is best for you.

• Richard O’Bryan is a nationally board certified and licensed physician assistant and former Patterson paramedic who practices at the Patterson First Care clinic. You can e-mail him questions and suggestions at AskHealthMatters@yahoo.com.