Flu Season 2019 – 2020 

Influenza (flu) is an easily spread respiratory tract infection caused by a virus. About 5% to 20% of people in the U.S. get the flu each year, with more than 900,000 hospitalized with the illness last year.
Here are some useful resources for this year's flu season, typically October through March. Learn about flu essentials and tips to help keep you, your family and our community healthy. 

Should I go to the Emergency Department?

Patients are encouraged to contact their primary care physician first to address cold and flu-like symptoms. Flu symptoms include muscle or body aches, fever or chills, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches and fatigue.
If you're not able to make an appointment at one of our primary care clinics, we also offer three urgent care locations. Walk-in flu care services are available seven days a week and 24-hour care is available at select locations.
If you are experiencing an emergency, our emergency department is open 24 hours.
Adults should only go to the emergency room for the following reasons:

• Flu-like symptoms improve but return with a fever or worse cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Chest pain
• Confusion

A child should only visit the emergency room for the following reasons:

• Flu-like symptoms improve but return with a fever or worse cough
• Bluish skin color
• Dehydrated
• Trouble breathing or chest pain
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Fever with a rash
• Not eating

Am I at risk for the flu?

The following individuals are at higher risk of developing the flu:

• Adults over the age of 65
• Children under the age of five
• Women who are pregnant
• Individuals with asthma

How can I prevent the flu?

The best (and probably) simplest ways to prevent the flu are:

• Wash hands often
• Avoid contact with others 
• Cover your mouth before you cough
• If possible, avoid the emergency room, which is open to additional germs and illnesses.