It’s that dreaded time of the year again — fall is here, and so is its icky sidekick, the flu. Luckily, flu shots are available at many locations throughout Long Island, and below KDHamptons checks in with our medical correspondent Dr. Mark Kot for more specific advice on how to combat the Influenza virus.

KDHamptons: When does flu season typically start in the Hamptons?

Dr. Kot: The peak prevalence for the transmission of the Influenza virus is the winter through early spring.

KDHamptons: Who should get a flu shot, and when should we get it?

Dr. Kot: Children, the elderly, health care providers, immunocompromised patients, women who are pregnant, and patients with chronic health conditions (heart disease, asthma, diabetes, emphysema, etc.) should receive the Influenza vaccine.

KDHamptons: When can patients come in to receive the vaccine?

Dr. Kot: SUMC began administering the Flulaval (Influenza virus vaccine ) for ages 18, starting September 8th and continues to do so. [Office hours below, no appointment necessary].

KDHamptons: How does the vaccine actuallly work? What is in it?

Dr. Kot: Flulaval is a trivalent , split-virion, inactivated influenza virus vaccine prepared from virus propagated in the allantoic cavity of embryonated hen’s eggs. It contains 15 micrograms of Hemeagglutinin from the three strains along with preservatives. The Hemeagglutinin triggers an immune response causing the formation of antibodies thereby preventing infection.

KDHamptons: Myth or truth? After vaccination, patients come down with mild flu symptoms?

Dr. Kot: Because Flulaval is an inactivated virus, patients are at no risk of infection from the vaccine. However, patients may experience local adverse reactions consisting of pain, redness, and swelling. Systemic adverse events include fatigue, headache, muscle aches, and fever.

*If you need urgent care, please visit: Southampton Urgent Medical Care (SUMC); 609 Hampton Road, Southampton, NY; 631.204.9600 phone