We all know what the changing weather brings — and we don’t mean brilliant fall colors and cooler temperatures, signal of the holiday season and playoff football.
We mean the flu bug, which arrives every winter without invitation. Such an intruder, this flu bug, and a rather nasty one at that.
You have an opportunity Friday to help distance yourself from influenza this winter, and all it will cost is a little time and the gasoline to get there.
The Saline County Health Unit is among 81 health departments in Arkansas that will offer a mass flu clinic at no charge. The clinic will be held from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Holland Chapel Baptist Church Family Life Center at 15523 Interstate 30 in Benton.
    Free flu vaccines will be offered to Saline County residents during the clinic. Health officials are asking that elderly and handicapped persons use the drive-through window for vaccinations and that everybody else go inside the church center.
    The county health department says there is an ample supply of flu vaccine this year. Of course, as we know from years past, that could change, so that is one more reason to think about taking advantage of Friday’s clinic.
    Remember, the vaccinations Friday are free. After that, however, starting next Tuesday, vaccinations will cost $20 unless you are enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid or the Vaccines for Children program.
    Starting next Tuesday, the $20 vaccinations will be available at the county health department at 1612 Edison Ave. in Benton. The phone number is 303-5650.
    We cannot emphasize enough that for people who want a flu vaccination, the free clinic on Friday is an opportune time to take care of that chore.
    Health officials say a flu vaccination is 70 to 90 percent effective in preventing the illness. For older adults, a flu vaccination can reduce hospitalizations by as much as 70 percent and deaths by 85 percent, according to health officials.
    The immunization is recommended for people at high risk of complications, including children 6 months to 5 years, people over 50, residents of nursing homes, women who will be pregnant during the flu season, and children and adults with chronic illnesses and physical disorders.
    A flu vaccination also is recommended for healthcare providers, caregivers of young children and adults over 50, and people who have contact with those at higher risk for complications from influenza.
So, what do you think? A quick stick in the arm Friday at no charge, or days of feeling absolutely lousy later this winter?

Today’s editorial was written by Whit Jones, editor of the Courier, on behalf of the newspaper’s editorial board.
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