Flu season is almost here, and you have a lot of options for getting your flu shot. Washoe County Health District is holding the last day of its drive-up flu shot clinic Wednesday at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center from 4 PM to 7 PM. REMSA is making house calls, for select people.

REMSA's Executive Director Adam Heinz says a robust flu season, plus the threat of COVID, could create a significant issue in coming months. "Flu season which starts in October and continues to May could potentially consume a lot of our healthcare resources," said Heinz.

Part of the issue is that you can have COVID and the flu at the same time, or it could be unclear which one you have. "It's important that people note, that it's even difficult for health care practitioners to tell without a test if you have Influenza or COVID19. Symptoms like fever, cough, shortness of breath could be the flu. It could be a cold. It could be COVID19. Make sure you are contacting the county to know for sure," said Heinz.

For the second year in a row, REMSA is taking a shot at distributing the flu vaccine to the homebound. "Thousands of people in the United States die from influenza each year. Many more are hospitalized from the virus. The people who are most susceptible to a poor outcome are elderly, the pregnant, children, and those who have pre-existing medical conditions," said Heinz.

With the Health District's support, REMSA will visit the homes of the immune-compromised, the elderly, those who have health complications, and the home bound to administer the shot for free. "You know some people would think that they are not going out so they don't have the risk of getting the flu. That's not the case. They have grandchildren that visit. They may have meals delivered. They have doctors appointments. So its so important they get the protection of a flu shot," said Heinz.

To qualify for the home visit, you must be over 18, be home bound, and not have active flu symptoms. You will have to call REMSA to make an appointment. But even if you don't qualify for a home visit, REMSA recommends you get a flu shot on your own anyways for preventive purposes.