MASSENA -- Massena Memorial Hospital is offering free flu shots to the first 100 people who are 19 years or older on Tuesday from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.

The shots will be given in the hospital’s second floor boardroom.

The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccination each fall, MMH said in a news release. The "flu shot" is an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle. The shot is approved for use in people older than 6 months, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions, MMH said.

About two weeks after vaccination, antibodies develop that protect against influenza virus infection. Flu vaccines will not protect against influenza-like illnesses caused by other viruses.

The CDC recommends October or November is the best time to get vaccinated, but getting vaccinated in December or even later can still be beneficial. Flu season can begin as early as October and last as late as May.

Seasonal flu is not just a really bad cold. The flu is a contagious illness that affects the nose, throat, lungs and other parts of the body. It can spread quickly from one person to another. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death, according to MMH.

People with influenza spread flu viruses mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing. Touching something with flu viruses on it, such as a surface or object, and then touching the mouth or nose may sometimes infect people, MMH said.

Every year in the U.S., on average:

• 5 to 20 percent of the population gets the flu

• More than 200,000 people are hospitalized from seasonal flu complications

• About 23,500 (and as high as about 48,000) people die from seasonal flu, according to MMH

People can't get flu from getting a flu vaccine. It stimulates the body to produce antibodies. These antibodies provide protection against infection by flu viruses. The flu vaccine takes about two weeks after vaccination for the antibodies to provide protection against influenza virus infection. Until then, those getting the shot are still at risk for getting the flu.

Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious complications from seasonal flu. Those who live or work with people who are at high risk should get vaccinated against seasonal influenza.

Those with questions about whether they should get a flu vaccine should consult a healthcare provider.