It's that time of year again: Time for coughing, sneezing, runny noses, sore throats and INFLUENZA, or the flu.

Each year more than 200,000 people are hospitalized with the flu, and 30,000 people die of the flu complications.

The flu usually appears out of the blue. Symptoms may include fever, headache, tiredness, body aches, cough, sore throat, and a runny or stuffy nose. Diarrhea and vomiting are more common in children than in adults. Remember that a runny nose and sore throat do not necessarily mean that you have the flu.

The elderly, babies between 3 months and 35 months old, and people with chronic illness are the highest risk groups, but anyone can get the flu.

A healthy adult may be able to infect others one day before developing symptoms and up to five days after getting sick.

According to the Center for Disease Control, the single best way to protect yourself and others from the influenza virus is to get the flu vaccination each year. The vaccine can prevent you from getting sick from flu viruses or it can make your illness more bearable. It is especially important to get your flu shot if you are at high risk of complications from the flu or if you live with and/or care for someone at higher risk. Flu shots are available at the Casper-Natrona County Health Department for $15 for adults and $14 for children under 18 years old. For more information, call 235-9340.

It is also important to take preventive actions everyday. Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap and use hand sanitizers. Cover your nose and mouth if you cough or sneeze.

Remember if you do get the flu, stay home from work or school and limit your contact with others to keep from spreading your illness. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth as germs are spread this way.

Lori Saunders is a registered nurse and Jillian Riddle is the community outreach education coordinator at the Casper-Natrona County Health Department.

About "Parenting with Purpose"

Look here every other week for "Parenting with Purpose," a column presented by the Natrona County Prevention Coalition family and parenting committee. The columns focus on building healthy families while highlighting family events, classes and activities. For more information on the coalition, dedicated to preventing substance abuse and forming healthy communities, visit www.ncpreventioncoalition.net.

Flu & Pneumonia Clinics

Flu shots for children 6 to 35 months are available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and on Oct. 17 at the Casper-Natrona County Health Department. Please bring a current shot record and children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Here's a list of upcoming flu and pneumonia clinics in Natrona County for people 3 years and older.

* OCT. 20, 1:30 to 6 p.m. at the Senior Citizen Center, 1831 E. Fourth St.

* OCT. 25, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Industrial Building, 1700 Fairgrounds Road

* OCT. 25, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Auxiliary Gym at Casper College, 125 College Drive

* OCT. 27, 1:30 to 6 p.m. at the Senior Citizen Center, 1831 E. Fourth St.

* OCT. 29, 9 to 11 a.m. at the Imitate the Image Church, 1124 Elma

* NOV. 3, 17, 24 and DEC 1 and 8, noon to 6 p.m. at the Casper-Natrona County Health Department, 475 S. Spruce St.

* NOV. 4, 9 to 11 a.m. at the Mills Senior Center, 431 Wasatch Ave.

* NOV. 7, 3:30 to 8 p.m., Highland Park Community Church, 411 Walsh Drive. Costs $1 for admission to the craft fair at the church.

* NOV. 8, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Highland Park Community Church, 411 Walsh Drive. Costs $1 for admission to the craft fair at the church.

* NOV. 13, 9 to 11 a.m. at the Evansville Senior Center, 215 Curtis St.

* NOV. 14, 1 to 4 p.m. at the Midwest Town Hall, 531 Peake St.

Parenting calendar

* Strengthening Families: A program designed to bring families with children 10 to 14 years old closer to together and to create family environments with lost of love and while defining limits. Thursday nights Oct. 9-Nov.13 at Highland Park Church. Free, but registration is required.Call Tammy Noel at Mercer House at 265-7366.

* Love and Logic Parenting: Presented by Nutrition and Child Development, this class features hands-on tools to make parenting easier. Call Theresa at 237-1496 or e-mail trishazeller@wyoncd.org for more information. To learn more about the program, visit www.loveandlogic.com.

* Mercer House's 'Baby Steps': A support and educational-play group for parents of children birth to 5 years old. 3:30 to 5 p.m. every Monday. Call facilitator Kathy Herter at 265-7366 for information.

* Online parenting class: "Parenting Wisely," sponsored by Mercer House. For parents of children 8 to 18 years old. Teaches assertive discipline, using "I" statements, contracting with your teen, active listening and more. It also includes three support group sessions. Call facilitator Debbie Mueller at 265-7366 for more information.

* Red Cross classes: American Red Cross of Natrona County offers classes in CPR, First Aid, baby-sitter training and more. For information, call 237-8436.

* Parent-education seminar: The Wyoming Children's Access Network provides parent-education seminars for divorcing, separated, and never-married parents. The one-time, four-hour seminar is provided monthly in Casper and other cities around the state. Grandparents, aunts, uncles and other adults close to the children are welcome to attend. There is a nominal fee that may be waived upon request, based on need. Preregistration is required 24 hours in advance. Call (866) 726-3700.

* UPLIFT Fathers' Focus Group: Meets from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on the fourth Saturday of each month in the UPLIFT office at 145 S. Durbin St. Suite 201. UPLIFT provides support, education and advocacy for families with children who struggle with emotional, behavioral and mental disorders. www.upliftwy.org.

* Head Start: Natrona County Head Start is now taking applications for 3- to 5-year-olds for the 2007-08 school year. This quality preschool program is free to qualifying families. Info: 577-1864.