With cold and flu season in full swing, Mercy Health encourages everyone to take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones. Preventative measures, including vaccination, are key to reducing illness and complications.

“Getting vaccinated is the most effective way to protect yourself and those around you from the flu. The vaccine is updated annually to target the latest strains, and even if you do get sick, it can reduce the severity of symptoms and prevent serious complications,” said Dr. Jim Kravec, chief clinical officer for Mercy Health-Youngstown.

“Flu season coincides with holiday gatherings, which means more opportunities for the virus to spread. Staying home when you’re sick and practicing good hygiene, like washing your hands and covering coughs, are simple steps that make a big difference in keeping our communities healthy.”

PREVENTING THE FLU

• Get vaccinated — The CDC recommends everyone over 6 months receive the flu vaccine annually. It’s not too late.

• Practice good hygiene — Wash hands often, sanitize high-touch surfaces, and sneeze or cough into your elbow.

• Stay home when sick — Avoid gatherings until fully recovered to prevent spreading illness.

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle — Eat well, exercise and get enough sleep to strengthen your immune system.

RECOGNIZING FLU SYMPTOMS

Flu symptoms often develop quickly and can be more severe than a cold, including:

• Fever and chills.

• Cough and sore throat.

• Runny nose.

• Headaches and body aches.

• Fatigue.

“Most people can manage flu symptoms at home with rest, fluids and over-the-counter medications, but it’s important to monitor your condition. If symptoms worsen or you’re in a high-risk group, such as young children, older adults or those with chronic conditions, seek medical attention promptly,” Kravec said.

WHERE TO GO FOR CARE

• A primary care provider is best for nonemergency situations like lingering cough or mild symptoms.

• Walk-in care is like urgent care in that patients can be seen without an appointment, but visits are billed like a standard primary care appointment, often at a lower cost. These are ideal for non-life-threatening conditions needing quick attention, such as flu symptoms, ear infections or minor injuries. Other conditions that can be treated at a walk-in care clinic include animal bites, asthma attacks, dehydration, ear infections, flu symptoms, joint and back pain, migraine headaches, muscle sprains and strains, nausea and vomiting, ongoing diarrhea, pink eye, small cuts that may require stitches, strep or sore throat and urinary tract infections.

Walk-in clinics are open evenings and weekends for convenience.

• Go to the emergency room for severe or life-threatening symptoms such as chest pain, severe shortness of breath, uncontrolled bleeding, head injuries and seizures or sudden weakness or numbness.