Because of the shortage of influenza vaccines (flu shots), the Harris County Hospital District is urging patients to take extra precautions this flu season.

The pharmacy department had ordered 60,000 vaccines this year to vaccinate its patients and staff. To date, the organization has only received 4,000 doses.

Only the most at-risk patients will receive the flu vaccine. Those at high risk are people over the age of 65, those with chronic health conditions, women in their third trimester of pregnancy and infants 6-23 months of age.

The following information and recommendations are provided by the Centers for Disease Control for your protection against the flu. For a copy of the information in English, click here. For information in Spanish, click here.

Serious respiratory illnesses like influenza and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) are spread by:

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Unclean hands

If you become ill this year:

• Stay home and stay away from healthy family members and coworkers.
• Stay away from emergency rooms.
• Call Ask Your Nurse (713-633-2255) for advice on caring for the flu.

Clean your hands often, especially after coughing or sneezing:

• Wash with soap and water, or
• Clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner.

To help stop the spread of germs:

• Cover your mouth and nose with tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• If you don't have tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
• Put your used tissue in the wastebasket.
• You may also be asked to wear a surgical mask to help protect others.
• Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes, nose and mouth.