Believe it or not, but we are heading into Flu Season! And that means it is time to start thinking about getting your flu shot. The influenza vaccine, or flu shot, is the best weapon against influenza. Influenza is a viral infection that causes many symptoms. It is still a deadly virus in Minnesota, especially for certain people at high risk. According to Windom Lewis Family Drug Pharmacist Joel Luitjens, the flu season typically starts around the end of November for our area which coincides with getting together at holiday gatherings, it seems and it usually runs into early April. January through March are the highest infection rate months. Luitjens went on to explain that the flu vaccine covers two strains (types) of Influenza A and two of Influenza B. They determine which strains of vaccine to use based on what was happening here last year and what was the dominate strain in South America during their winter (May – July). So the vaccine covers the most likely strains. Of course, viruses continue to mutate so it keeps changing, but most of the time, the vaccine matches up pretty close to what is going around. Luitjens stated that it is recommended to get the flu vaccine later in September all the way till January. It is recommended to not wait until there are a lot of cases of influenza in the community as you can likely be exposed before getting fully immunized. People aged 6months and older are eligible for the flu shot and according to Luitjens, for most people, vaccines are free with their insurance. Luitjens adamantly stated is YOU CAN NOT get influenza from the influenza vaccine. This is a misconception amongst many. The Influenza vaccine, according to Luitjens is not a live virus so it cannot replicate and cause an infection. A vaccine takes 7-10 days to develop full protection and Luitjens stated that unfortunately, people can get exposed on the day they were immunized or a day or 2 later at which time the virus they were exposed to can grow so rapidly that it overwhelms any immunity that is still being developed by the vaccine. Be proactive with your health this Fall and get your Flu Shot, it is the very best way for you and your loved ones to stay healthy this winter and it can help prevent serious symptoms. Call you doctor or pharmacy today to schedule your appointment for the flu shot! Don’t wait…
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Meetings on Tuesday are as follows:
- Murray County Board of Commissioners at 8:30am in the Murray County Government Center. If you would like to listen in by calling or view the meeting via zoom you can find the information on the Murray County Homepage.
- Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners meets at 9:00am at the Cottonwood County Courthouse in the Commissioners Room.
- Jackson County Board of Commissioners and Drainage Authority at 9:00 am in the Jackson County Courthouse, Commissioners Board Room.
- Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce will be meeting at Noon at the Mt Lake United Prairie Bank Meeting Room.
- St James City Council will start at 5:30pm in the St James Community Building
- Windom City Council will be meeting at 6:30pm in the Windom City Hall Council Chambers.
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A driver for Palmer Bus Service for Round Lake-was fired last Monday after not noticing that two sleeping children didn’t get out of a van when it stopped at their school. The two young children are cousins and had dozed off in the second row of the van on Monday the 11th after boarding at approximately 7:20am on the way from Worthington to Brewster. According to the reports, school district officials called the grandmother of the four and five-year-old boys when they didn’t show up to school. They were found inside the van in Lakefield just after nine o’clock and appeared to be okay. Palmer Bus Services, owner of the van says the driver was let go for not making sure the van was empty after reaching the school.
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The Minnesota State Patrol reported on the 12th at approximately 12:20pm, 74-year-old Carol Jean Cookinham from Jackson was injured in a one-vehicle incident on Interstate 90 in Nobles County. Cookinham was driving a 2018 Buick Encore traveling westbound on I-90 when her tire blew out causing the vehicle to lose control and strike the median barrier. Cookinham sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the Worthington hospital. Assistance was provided by the Adrian Police Department, Adrian Fire Department, and Adrian Ambulance.
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The Jackson County Sheriff’s office reported on the 13th A deputy conducted a traffic stop in Jackson. After investigating, the driver a 43-year-old male from Worthington, was arrested for Providing False Name to Peace Officer and (5) warrants from Martin County. Deputies also responded to a disturbance at a parking lot in Jackson which was determined to be an argument over a parking stall. Jackson County Sheriffs Deputies also arrested a 32- year-old male from Mountain Lake at a residence in Wilder for a Cottonwood County warrant for Interfere With 911 Call. The party was turned over to the Windom PD who transported the male back to the Cottonwood County Jail.
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Windom Area Health is offering a Lunch and Learn on Thursday September 21st from Noon to 1pm in the Windom Area Health Large Conference Room. Building Connections by increasing relationships, support, and sense of belonging will be the topic. Brianna Jonason a Mental Health Therapist will be holding a one-hour presentation where she will discuss the importance of connection and ways to fight social loneliness and isolation. This Lunch and Learn is Free to anyone that would like to attend but pre-registering is needed. To register or to get more information call 831-0620.
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