McLeod Urgent Care Centers are now offering flu vaccines to help protect patients from getting the flu. The best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine each year.

McLeod Urgent Care offers the vaccine injection to adults and children nine years of age and older. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),influenza activity usually lasts from October to May in the United States. You do not need to have an appointment to receive a flu vaccination.

Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions are at high risk for serious flu complications. Additionally, vaccination is also important for health care workers and other people who live with, or care for, high risk people.

The 2013-2014 flu vaccine protects against the three influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the season.

In addition to getting vaccinated, McLeod Urgent Care Centers remind everyone to also take preventive actions to stop the spread of germs, including:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Wash eating utensils, dishes and linens belonging to those who are sick.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work, and school, especially if someone is ill.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

Influenza usually starts suddenly and may include the following symptoms:

• Fever (usually high)
• Headache
• Tiredness (can be extreme)
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Body aches
• Diarrhea and vomiting (more common among children than adults)

Having these symptoms does not always mean that you have the flu. Many different illnesses, including the common cold, can have similar symptoms. A physician’s exam may be needed to determine if you have the flu.

The CDC recommends that those with flu–like illness stay home at least 24 hours after fever is gone, except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine). While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.

McLeod Urgent Care Centers are open Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. McLeod Urgent Care Center is located at 3015 W. Palmetto Street, Florence, and can be reached by calling (843) 777 – 6870. McLeod Urgent Care Darlington is located at 964 Lochend Drive, Darlington, and can be reached at (843) 777 – 6890. No appointment is necessary.