In October or November, however, December and January are not too late to ensure adequate protection against the flu.

The flu shot can be given at any time during the flu season. If you are at high risk, get vaccinated early in the season. It is best not to delay; but if you do, it's still better to get it late than not at all.

In October or November, however, December and January are not too late to ensure adequate protection against the flu.

Yes. Influenza viruses continually change every year. A new vaccine is used annually to fight the most current influenza virus. In addition, the antibody a person develops from the vaccine declines over time.

You most likely did not, but in the rare case that you did get sick from the flu, effects would be milder. While a flu shot can prevent serious illness from the flu, it will not prevent "influenza like" illnesses caused by other viruses. Unfortunately, there are a lot of nasty viruses out there!

The 'dry' season from April to October seems to be generally considered preferable, at least as far as weather is concerned.

Although you can get a tattoo any time of the year, your skin gets a lot more abuse during the summer with swimming, tanning and just being exposed to the elements more. Winter time is really the best season to get a tattoo.

Efforts are underway to develop an effective one for H5N1 virus. The U.S. has put in an order for several million doses of this experimental vaccine. However, governments face the dilemma that this vaccine might not be effective against a new strain of this virus when and if it makes the leap from man to man. We face the same dilemma with antiviral medications. When and if we experience a flu pandemic, we hope a vaccine will be ready in time.