Newsroom

Tell the flu bug to flee

October and November mark the winding down of the baseball season, the cranking up of football season, and the aching all over of flu season. Kiwanis clubs can prepare for the flu season by planning now for fall’s THRIVE program.

THRIVE—Tackling the Health and Risk of Influenza with Vaccination and Education—is a three-pronged Kiwanis initiative designed to promote the facts and importance of flu vaccinations. By participating in THRIVE—preferably before the arrival of flu season—clubs can educate, prepare, and protect their communities.

“All three components are important, but we especially encourage clubs to focus on educating their communities about influenza and what measures to take to prevent, or at least minimize, its effects,” notes Elizabeth Warren, service programs manager at Kiwanis International. “Though the flue season this past year was relatively mild, there are indications this year’s could be severe; so, Kiwanis club participation is crucial.”

Anyone—no matter how old or young—can be stricken by the flu. The single best way to prevent it: Get vaccinated each fall. Most anyone can get a flue shot—even infants, though parents should always check first with their children’s pediatricians.

THRIVE materials will be available online, and kits are available to United States clubs by contacting Elizabeth by e-mail or by phone at 800-549-2647, ext. 211. Visit the Web site of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more flue information.