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Flu season is in full swing

Although the timing of flu is unpredictable, Sidney Regional Medical Center is hosting its seasonal flu vaccine clinics to make sure locals have the opportunity to decrease their risks of catching the virus.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone as young as six months of age and older to help protecting against influenza.

Influenza is an infection of the nose, throat and lungs and the virus is constantly changing.

The flu can cause severe illness as well as life-threatening complications including pneumonia and bronchitis. Symptoms could include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches and fatigue.

Studies show that young children, adults 65 and older, pregnant women and people with certain medical conditions are at a high risk of getting the flu.

Flu viruses are mainly spread by droplets made when people infected cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouth of noses of people are nearby, or by touching something that the flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, eyes or nose.

Although the shot will decrease risks of becoming sick, there are easy steps to further prevent the virus. Covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands and staying hydrated are recommended in minimizing chances of getting sick.

The SRMC Community Walk-in Clinic is offering four separate flu shot clinics. They are Wednesday, Thursday, Dec. 2 and Dec. 3. The clinics will be available from 3-6 p.m. each day.

Participants should bring their insurance card. Patients without insurance will be asked to pay $25 at the time of service.

 

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