The flu season is in progress, but there is still time to get a flu shot.

The Visiting Nurse Association of Wisconsin is offering Shoo The Flu & Pneumonia Too! vaccination clinics at two Marquette basketball games in December: the men's game on Dec. 28, at the Bradley Center, and the women's game on Dec. 31, at the Al McGuire Center on the MU campus.

Medicare Part B and Medicaid cover the cost of flu and pneumonia vaccinations. For others, flu shots cost $30; pneumonia shots are $45.

The VNA will immunize individuals age 9 and older. Children 9 to 18 must be accompanied by a guardian who can sign a consent form. Pneumonia vaccinations are recommended for those 65 or older, or under 65 with chronic health conditions such as diabetes or heart or lung diseases.

To find other clinics, click here. Children 9 through 17 must be accompanied by a parent.

If you want information about flu shots or clinics in Milwaukee, visit www.milwaukee.gov/health.

According to the Visiting Nurse Association, a flu shot is recommended for:

• Anyone 50 years of age or older
• Women who will be pregnant during flu season
• Anyone with long-term health problems
• Anyone with a weakened immune system
• Anyone with muscle or nerve disorders that can lead to breathing or swallowing problems
• Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities
• Health care providers
• Household contacts and caregivers of children from birth to 5 years of age
• Household contacts and caregivers of people 50 years and older, and those who are at risk of serious complications from influenza
• People who provide essential community services
• People living in residence halls or other crowded conditions
• People who travel to the Southern hemisphere between April and September or in organized tourist groups at any time
• Anyone who wants to reduce his/her chance of catching influenza or spreading influenza to others

A pneumonia shot is recommended if you are:

• Age 65 or older Under age 65 with certain chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart or lung diseases
• Usually, one dose of pneumococcal vaccine is recommended per lifetime. Certain individuals may benefit from an additional dose.

Tips For Avoiding Flu

• Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.
• Drink plenty of liquids and get plenty of sleep.
• If you are sick, stay home to avoid passing anything on to others.
• Cover your nose and mouth when you cough and wheeze.
• Wash your hands frequently, especially after blowing your nose or coughing or sneezing.
• Discard used tissue immediately into the garbage can.

The following symptoms can help you determine if you have the cold or flu:

Fever
Cold -- rare
Flu -- characteristic, high; lasts three to four days

Headache
Cold -- rare
Flu -- prominent

General aches, pains
Cold -- slight
Flu -- usual; often severe

Fatigue, weakness
Cold -- quite mild
Flu -- can last up to two to three weeks

Extreme exhaustion
Cold -- never
Flu -- early and prominent

Stuffy nose
Cold -- common
Flu -- sometimes

Sneezing
Cold -- usual
Flu -- sometimes

Sore throat
Cold -- common
Flu -- sometimes

Chest discomfort, cough
Cold -- mild to moderate; hacking cough
Flu -- common; can become severe