Autumn is almost upon us. It is the season of craft fairs, apple picking, football and planning for the holidays. Cool nights are followed by clear, crisp days. But, while you’re breaking out all your warm sweaters in preparation for fall, there is something else you should be thinking about – getting a flu shot.

Influenza is a respiratory infection caused by a variety of flu viruses, viruses that are most active during flu season, November through March. It is the time of year when the viruses can spread rapidly through communities, infecting many thousands of people.

The contagious nature of the flu is to blame. If an infected person touches a surface, the virus is deposited there and lies in wait for a new victim. A doorknob, a telephone, buttons on the ATM machine can all be accomplices. Once the virus is on your hand, it is only a matter of time before you scratch your nose, rub your eye or put your fingers near your mouth. Contact made. Point of entry established. Your symptoms will probably start in three to four days.

Lest you think obsessive hand washing will keep you healthy, you should know that the virus is also airborne. If you happen to be in the way of a cough or sneeze from an infected person, the virus could get in your nose or mouth with no help from you.

For most healthy adults, the flu makes life miserable for about a week, but generally it does not cause any serious health problems. For some people, including seniors, there is substantial risk from contracting the virus. Flu shots can significantly reduce this risk and quite possibly save lives.

It is recommended that if you have one of the following risk factors, you should have a flu shot a few weeks before the season starts:

. 50 years old or older.

. Chronic heart, lung or kidney disease.

. Diabetes.

. Immune system problems caused by disease, medication or cancer treatment with X-rays or drugs.

. A severe form of anemia.

. Living in a nursing home or other chronic-care housing facility.

In addition, “people with dementia are at special risk for developing complications from the flu because often they may not tell anyone when they start feeling ill,” said Nancy Ozog, registered nurse and flu clinic coordinator for Bangor Area Visiting Nurses.

“By the time it is discovered that they are sick, serious complications could result,” she explained.” Caregivers should pay special attention to changes in habits, such as sleeping more, decreased appetite, and increased confusion.”

Ozog emphasized that an elderly person who begins feeling sick should not try to “ride it out,” but rather, see a health care professional within a day or two.

“Some older people hesitate to see a doctor right away because they may feel silly,” said Ozog. “However, prompt attention is very important.”

So, how do you tell if it is a common cold or the flu?

The flu brings with it fever, chills, extreme exhaustion, chest discomfort and cough. These symptoms are rare with a cold, whose main characteristics are stuffy nose, sneezing and sore throat, said Ozog.

“The flu can bring on complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia almost overnight – illnesses which can be life threatening for an elderly person,” she said. Delaying treatment can make matters worse.

Getting a flu shot is the best way to combat catching the virus.

“The flu viruses change every year, so it is still possible to get the flu even if you have had a shot,” said Ozog. “But, those who have had the shot will have a much milder case than those who don’t.”

Some people are still resistant to the idea because of a myth that the flu can be contracted from the flu shot itself. This is simply not true, said Ozog.

“The virus in the flu shot is dead, completely inactive, so it is impossible to get the flu from the shot,” she said. “The reason this dead virus protects you from the flu is that the genetic makeup of the virus will trigger your immune system to produce antibodies. There is absolutely no danger of getting the flu from a flu shot.”

Bangor Area Visiting Nurses will hold flu shot clinics. Clip and save this these dates. Remember, Medicare covers the flu shot, but you must bring your Medicare Part B card with you.

. Airline Pharmacy, North Main Street, Brewer, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 1, 15 and 29.

. Airline Pharmacy, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 5.

. Airline Pharmacy, 2-7 p.m. Oct. 8 and 22.

. Bangor Mall, center court, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 3, 10, 17 and 24.

. Miller Drug, State Street, Bangor, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 2 and 16.

. Miller Drug, 1-7 p.m. Oct. 9 and 23.

. Senior Center, Norumbega Hall, Harlow Street, Bangor, 1-3 p.m. Oct. 11.

Other health care organizations will be scheduling flu clinics, as well.

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on EAA programs and services, call the resource and referral department at 941-2865 or log on www.eaaa.org.