Tuesday, October 4, 2005 8:40 PM CDT

As it's done for several decades, the Muscular Dystrophy Association will this year again provide free flu shots to people with any of the more than 40 neuromuscular diseases in the Association's program.

Having a progressive neuromuscular disease that damages the muscles responsible for lung function makes influenza much riskier. It's particularly dangerous for those with muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease) and other neuromuscular diseases.

"Respiratory infections caused by a flu virus can become very dangerous for children and adults with neuromuscular diseases whose respiratory systems may already be weakened," said MDA President & CEO Robert Ross. "For this reason, MDA provides those we serve with free flu shots to reduce their chances of getting a potentially serious illness."

MDA provides thousands of free flu shots annually. For more information about obtaining a free flu shot for someone with a neuromuscular disease, call the nearest MDA office. Dial (800) 572-1717 or visit the MDA Web site at www.mdausa.org.