• Mayo Clinic Radio: Flu vaccine / women’s heart health / altruistic kidney donation

It's that time of year here in the U.S.: Flu season has begun. Influenza is a respiratory infection that can cause serious complications, particularly to young children, older adults and people with certain medical conditions. Symptoms of the flu include fever, chills, cough and headaches. Seasonal flu in the U.S. usually peaks between December and February, although flu season can vary from year to year. Flu shots are the most effective way to prevent flu and its complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age or older be vaccinated annually against flu.

On the next Mayo Clinic Radio program, Dr. Gregory Poland, the leader of Mayo Clinic’s Vaccine Research Group, will discuss the flu vaccine and other tips to protect yourself from the flu. Also on the program, Dr. Amy Pollak, a cardiologist at Mayo Clinic, will discuss women's heart health. And Dr. Philip Fischer, a pediatrician at Mayo Clinic, will share his story of being inspired to donate a kidney to a complete stranger.

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