DEAR ABBY: Influenza, which can be prevented by a simple vaccination, kills as many as 40,000 people each year in the United States. Won't you remind your readers that October to mid-November is the ideal time to receive a "flu" (influenza) shot?

Although flu shots are recommended for all seniors (65 and over), many younger readers should roll up their sleeves, too. Flu shots are also recommended for any person with a chronic illness (such as heart disease, asthma or other lung disease, diabetes and kidney disease), as well as for adults who live or work with people who are at risk for influenza. Flu shots can be given to anyone, including healthy adults who want to reduce the likelihood of becoming ill with influenza this season.

While your readers are requesting their flu shots, they should also ask their physicians if they need a "pneumonia shot." Pneumococcal disease kills about 40,000 people each year in the United States. A one-time "pneumonia shot" is recommended for all adults 65 and over -- yet less than one-third of these adults have been vaccinated against this disease.

If your readers would like to receive brochures about additional vaccinations that are recommended for adults, they should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope to: The Immunization Action Coalition, P.O. Box 4627, St. Paul, Minn. 55104.

Flu season is rapidly approaching. It doesn't matter how old you are. Getting immunized is a lifelong, life-protecting job. Don't leave your clinic without making sure you've received all the shots you need. If you don't have a doctor, call your public health department to find out where you can go for shots. -- DEBORAH WEXLER, M.D., EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, IMMUNIZATION ACTION COALITION, ST. PAUL

DEAR DR. WEXLER: Thank you for an important reminder to my readers. According to a recent statement by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the strain of flu virus expected this year is more dangerous than last year's and can lead to deadly complications in elderly people. The current vaccine being offered is effective against this virus and several other strains that are also expected.

Readers, I had my flu shot last week, and my pneumonia shot last December. Both were quick and virtually painless, not to mention cheap and effective health insurance. Don't put it off.

DEAR ABBY: A year ago I agreed to be in the wedding of a former college roommate. Our relationship is not as close today as it was when she asked me. We've had some disagreements and seldom talk to each other now.

Please tell me how I can gracefully get out of being in her wedding. I know that she has several friends who are now closer to her than I am.

Please hurry your answer. -- PERPLEXED

DEAR PERPLEXED: Call her immediately and tell her exactly what you have told me. Considering the circumstances, I think she will appreciate your candor.

For an excellent guide to becoming a better conversationalist and a more attractive person, order "How to Be Popular." Send a business-sized, self-addressed envelope, plus check or money order for $3.95 ($4.50 in Canada) to: Dear Abby Popularity Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, Ill. 61054-0447. (Postage is included.)

DEAR ABBY: I have read with interest your columns about balloons being hazardous to animals. Balloons can be an even greater hazard to small children. Please address this issue in your column. It may save a life and a lot of heartache.

I have been an emergency room nurse for 27 years. In the last three months, I have seen two children die from ingesting latex balloons. They chew, play with and put deflated (or partially deflated) balloons in their mouths. They accidentally swallow them, choke, aspirate and die.

The balloon gets stuck in the child's throat. Parents are usually unable to resuscitate these children because it's too late by the time they realize what has happened and call for help. How sad for a child to die from something that was once so cheerful.

Parents, beware. Although they are festive decorations, balloons should not be kept after a party because they make very dangerous toys. The results can be lethal. -- NANCY CORTE, R.N., CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MICH.

DEAR NANCY: Thank you for an important letter, one that may save many young lives. The day after it arrived, I received a second warning concerning balloons from a medical professional. Read on:

DEAR ABBY: Thank you for standing your ground in your reply to the balloon industry regarding the dangers that balloons pose to wildlife. Latex balloons also pose a very real risk of aspiration and sudden death to children.

Consider these scenarios: The curious 1-year-old finds a latex balloon, puts it in her mouth (as she does everything else she finds) and "POP!"; she gasps and some or all of the latex shreds enter her airway. Or the active 7-year-old at a birthday party doing four things at once -- running, jumping, talking, blowing up a latex balloon. He trips, balloon in mouth, and suddenly the balloon is in his windpipe.

The nature of the material -- very light, flexible and sticky when wet -- causes it to adhere to the inside of the airway. If it happens to completely obstruct the passage of air, the child is dead within minutes.

We, and many other hospitals, have banned the use of latex balloons -- only Mylar balloons are allowed.

Now, if we can only convince people to stop using latex GLOVES as balloons to distract children while they're sitting in the waiting room ... ROBERT DIXON, M.D., EGLESTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL, ATLANTA

DEAR ABBY: About 40 years ago, I wrote you a letter in fun saying, "My boyfriend, Bill, bought me an electric blanket with dual controls for Christmas ... what do you think he had in mind?"

You returned my letter on which you had written in red ink: "Marriage, I hope!"

Well, Bill and I were married that March and had 37 happy years together before I lost him in 1995 on St. Valentine's Day. I thought it would please you to know that he carried that letter in his billfold all those years.

Thanks for the memories. -- MARIE WILLIAMS, LEBANON, MO.

DEAR MARIE: And thank you for sharing them.

To receive a collection of Abby's most memorable -- and most frequently requested -- poems and essays, send a business-sized, self-addressed envelope, plus check or money order for $3.95 ($4.50 in Canada) to: Dear Abby's "Keepers," P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, Ill. 61054-0447. (Postage is included.)

DEAR ABBY: I have a very dear friend who is an alcoholic. "Elsa" went through the 12-step program a few years ago and has been dry since her recovery began. We rarely see each other, but we talk on the phone regularly.

In the last few months, when we chat I have the uncomfortable feeling that Elsa is drinking again. I have not said anything to her (or anyone else) because there is no way I can be sure.

Several weeks ago, a mutual friend asked me if I thought Elsa might be drinking. When I asked why, she told me she, too, had noticed Elsa slurring her words, repeating herself, and becoming very argumentative.

I know I should approach my friend with my suspicions, but I cannot seem to find the words. We have been friends since we were very young, and I'm afraid I will lose her friendship if I confront her.

Should I confront her? If so, please help me find a tactful way to do it. -- A FRIEND WHO CARES

DEAR FRIEND: Be completely honest with your friend. Tell her that you love her, that you are concerned that she has resumed her drinking, and urge her to get back on the program. She needs to hear this from someone she knows is a caring friend.

DEAR ABBY: A friend sent me a clipping of a column you wrote in 1987. It appeared in The Daily Times in Pryor, Okla. I thought it was great.

Will you kindly run it again? -- FAITHFUL READER, GLENDALE, ARIZ.

DEAR READER: Thanks for sending it. I agree it merits a second time around:

DEAR ABBY: I am enclosing several quotes from famous people. You may want to pass these along to your readers. I clipped this from the Arizona Republic in Phoenix. If you run this in your column, perhaps it might make some of us feel we are not all that stupid. Thank you. -- JOHN NESBIT, PHOENIX

DEAR JOHN: We can all use a little reassurance. These quotes reaffirm the fact that what may appear sensible at the time can be ludicrous later. For example:

-- "Everything that can be invented has already been invented." (Charles H. Duell, director of the U.S. Patent Office, 1899)

-- "Who the hell wants to hear actors TALK?" (Harry M. Warner, Warner Brothers, 1927)

-- "Sensible and responsible women do not want to vote." (Grover Cleveland, 1905)

-- "There is no likelihood man can ever tap the power of the atom." (Robert Millikan, Nobel Prize in Physics, 1923)

-- "Heavier-than-air flying machines are impossible." (Lord Kelvin, president, Royal Society, 1895)

-- "Babe Ruth made a big mistake when he gave up pitching." (Tris Speaker, 1921)

To order "How to Write Letters for All Occasions," send a business-sized, self-addressed envelope, plus check or money order for $3.95 ($4.50 in Canada) to: Dear Abby, Letter Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, Ill. 61054-0447. (Postage is included.)