The Selma – Dallas County Public Library and University of Alabama – Birmingham (UAB) Family Medicine – Selma held their monthly Medical Matters lecture in the Vaughan Room of the library on Friday afternoon.

Dr. Mohammad Alam, M.D. spoke to those in attendance about the influenza virus (the flu).

Alam said the topic was timely, as cases of the flu increase dramatically as the fall changes to winter.

Alam shared with the crowd where the flu comes from and other information about the flu vaccine, as well as who should get it, who is most at risk of contracting the flu and prevention of the flu.

“Prevention is key,” said Alam. “We are doing all we can to prevent the flu to prevent an epidemic.”

Selma – Dallas County Public Library Director Becky Nichols was happy to see the turnout.

Nichols said it was the duty of the library to share information with the community through any medium possible, be it a book, a webpage or Medical Matters.

“This is a truly authentic program with truly authentic doctors,” said Nichols.

The next Medical Matters topic will be Emotional Wellness on Dec. 6.

After that, the library and UAB Family Medicine – Selma will look to the community for topics.

Dr. Dunni Adetoba, M.D. said that presenting information through the community’s perspective is important for the future of Medical Matters.

“What they might want to learn about may be different from the topics we might think of as doctors,” she said.

Adetoba said that those interested can suggest topics by calling the library or UAB Family Medicine – Selma.

Suggestions can also be made by reaching out to UAB Family Medicine – Selma via Facebook.