Did you get your flu shot?
BYMATILDA CHARLES RBMA News Service

The flu season began a month ago. Did you get your shot? Does your physician think you should have one?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every year more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and about 36,000 people die from it.

You shouldn't have a problem finding a shot this year: A record number of doses (more than 100 million) are available.

The American Heart Association has come out with new guidelines for this flu season for those who have heart disease. Studies show that death from the flu is more common in those with heart disease.

However, those with cardiovascular disease should NOT take the vaccine in the form of the nasal spray, as that contains live vaccine. Only the injected (killed) vaccine is recommended for those with heart disease.

Here is a partial list of groups who should get a shot every year:

. People 50 years and older

. People who live in nursing homes and other long-term-care facilities that house those with long-term illnesses

. Adults with chronic heart or lung conditions, including asthma

.Adults who needed regular medical care or were in a hospital during the prior year because of a metabolic disease (like diabetes), chronic kidney disease or weakened immune system (including immune-system problems caused by medicines or by infection with HIV/AIDS).

Here is an easy way to find where shots are being given in your area. Go to: www.findaflushot. com and put your Zip code in the box in the upper left corner.

Consult your doctor if you're not sure whether you should have the shot.

Matilda Charles regrets that she cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them in her column whenever possible. Do not send any material requiring return mail. Write to her in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL32853-6475, or send e-mail to letters.kfws@hearstsc.com.