Come winter, 78 year old Jim Edwards of Chenango Bridge, like many snowbirds, heads south to Florida.

But, even with the comforting thought of sunshine and palm trees Jim still has concerns about getting the flu.

So he's visiting his doctor's office to get a flu shot.

"I have lung disease which would not go well with the flu and so that's one of the reasons, but of course I don't want the flu," says Edwards of Chenango Bridge.

Dr. Louis Mateya says the flu means a high temperature, an achy body, a sore throat and cough.

A healthy person can expect to be out of work and under the covers for 7 to 10 days.

But for those in high risk groups: the very young, very old, pregnant women and people with chronic diseases, the flu can be deadly.

"They can get bacterial pneumonia, they can get sinus and ear infections, they can become very ill and hospitalized," says Mateya.

Edwards says the flu shot doesn't hurt a bit, but that may not be the case for youngsters.

Problem solved.

Now there is an inhaled flu vaccine called Flu Mist.

It's perfect for children and approved to be used on adults up to age 49.

Remember, it takes 2 weeks for your flu vaccination to become effective so the sooner you get a shot the safer you are.

Flu shots are covered by insurance.

Also, the Muscular Dystrophy Association wants to help people avoid the flu.

The MDA will offer flu shots to people who have a neuromuscular disease.

People with diseases that damage muscles associated with lung function have a greater risk for getting the flu.

Especially those with muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy or Lou Gherig's disease.

To find out how to get your flu shot, call the Binghamton MDA office at 723-7431 or go online to mda dot org.