In waiting rooms across the country, the sounds of sniffles and coughing can be heard, and this is just the beginning. With the change of the seasons upon us the first honest wave of the flu are right around the corner. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has teamed up with the nonprofit Sickness Prevention Achieved through Regional Collaboration to bring some relief to Rancho Cordova.

The two groups will be offering low cost flu vaccinations at a most convenient location- polling places.  From 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Election Day (Tuesday, November 4) people can get flu shots at the Rancho Cordova City Hall (2729 Prospect Drive). The Sacramento County Immunization Program wil be running that site and offering vaccines for $10. From 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. voters can head over to Capital Christian Center at 970 Micron Avenue for their vaccination from the Hopkins Clinic for $30.

The clinics should not slow down the voting polls, which are expected to be busier than in past years. Everyone over the age of 6 months is encouraged to get a flu shot. Remember, the best defense against the flu is to be prepared to prevent it. Doctors encourage washing hands frequently, especially before eating or after being in a public place. In a pinch, you can also use alcohol based gels, but the gel needs to be wet on the hands for a full 15 seconds before drying for it to work to its full potential.

When symptoms of the flu become noticeable you will already have been contagious for a full day and it’s time to head to the doctor. A high fever, sore throat, dry cough, extreme tiredness and muscle aches are the usual signs and they can come on quickly. Each year, approximately 226,000 people are hospitalized from influenza complications. Make sure to take the necessary precautions and don’t let something serious happen to you or your family.