The chairman of the Dawson County Health Board is urging residents to visit the health department for annual flu shots.

Anderson said the shots this year battle three different strains of the flu, including the H1N1 virus.

Anderson said the best time to get a flu shot is whenever it’s possible.

“It’s never too early to get a vaccine, and it’s never too late to get it,” Anderson said.

“The old school of thought is to wait until October or November, so that you would have peak antibodies in January, but flu can occur year round.”

Other methods for combatting seasonal flu include using hand sanitizers and “coughing into your elbow,” Anderson said.

The change of weather that follows summer does not directly cause sickness, but is a factor indirectly, Anderson said.

“If it’s cold and rainy, it causes people to be in close proximity to each other,” he said. “Everybody’s going to be indoors and in close proximity. If it’s pretty weather, everybody’s outside.”

Those who want a flu shot can stop by the Dawson County Health Department.

Adult flu shots are $25. Children’s flu shots will be available in early fall for $14.

The Dawson County Health Department is located at 54 Hwy. 53 East, in downtown Dawsonville. For more information, call (706) 265-2611.