Fall is here, and with it comes both the Pohick Blood Drive and the Flu Shot Clinic sponsored by INOVA. The Blood Drive will be Sunday, October 22 in the Church parking lot from 8:30 am until 12:30 pm. Many parishioners have needed blood recently, and blood stores can be helped by donating the gift of life. Email Carol Heddleston at cheddleston@comcast.net for an appointment to donate blood.

Once again, INOVA has offered to come to the Church and provide flu shots on November 5. The cost this year will be $25. For those on Medicare Part B, the cost will be covered if a Medicare card is presented. The hours for the flu shots are 8:30 am - 11:00 am. Come early to be sure to get your shot.

Now, a word about the flu. When the air gets crisp and the leaves start falling from the trees, flu season is around the corner. Typically, flu season runs from December through March or April. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that between 10% and 20% of the United States population will come down with the flu each year. Avoid the fever, headache, fatigue, sore throat, dry cough, nasal congestion and body aches by getting a flu shot each year. It is recommended for everyone over six months of age, but for people in high risk categories it can be a life saver. High risk people are considered those over the age of 65, and those with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.

Other than getting a flu shot the single most important thing a person can do to prevent the spread of the flu virus is to wash hands. Other measures include staying at home if experiencing symptoms, and staying away from people who are sneezing and coughing. Try not to touch the nose, eyes, and mouth, as this is how the virus gets into the system.

The majority of the symptoms of the flu can be treated with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications, but if ones fever is high and there is difficulty breathing then a physician should be called.