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Flu season has been tougher than usual this winter, with health emergencies declared by the governors of some states, including New York. Losing workers to a bout of flu is disruptive to any industry. But it's particularly disastrous when a bug tears its way through the cast of a stage show. Lose too many players to sickness, and you're in danger of having to cancel the performance.

The New York theatre is particularly well guarded against such calamities, however, largely due to the efforts of one man. In 1996, Dr. Barry Kohn, an allergist-immunologist, gave up his private practice and established Physician Volunteers for the Arts.

"I grew up in New Jersey," explained Kohn. "I always went to the theatre, and liked the theatre. Once I made enough money and was comfortable, I wanted to give back in some way. I've been a fortunate guy. It was time to give back."

Physician Volunteers for the Arts is a nonprofit dedicated to free medical care for the theatre community. Part of that care is a flu shot program that Dr. Kohn initiated in 1996, when he started the organization. "I occurred to me that this is an Achilles heel in the theatre," he said. Every month in fall and winter, Kohn begins making the rounds. He arranges times to pay house calls backstage at every Broadway and Off-Broadway show. On those occasions, he administers flu shots not only to the actors, but the backstage crew and the front of house staff. He also visits Off-Broadway theatre companies and other theatre offices. Plus, he spends one day a month at the offices of Actors' Equity, where anyone who shows up can get a flu shot.