Texas first lady Anita Perry has joined forces with state health officials to urge people to get flu shots.
The Texas Department of State Health Services on Thursday unveiled a public service announcement with Perry, who's a nurse, and agency director Dr. Kyle Janek.
The 30-second announcement features Janek warning that flu cases can be severe and even fatal. The wife of Gov. Rick Perry says people with the flu should not wait for symptoms to get severe before consulting a doctor.
"Getting vaccinated against the flu can go a long way in preventing Texans from getting, and spreading, the disease," First Lady Anita Perry said. "As a nurse, I know how safe and effective the flu vaccine is, and how easy it is to get. I'm urging all Texans to protect themselves and their fellow Texans from this potentially deadly disease by getting vaccinated."
The PSA closes with the phrase: "Protect yourself and your fellow Texans."
Health officials say the level of flu-like illness is classified as "high" in Texas. This year's vaccine includes protection against H1N1, known as swine flu.
