Falling leaves, lower temperatures, and Halloween décor all around can only mean one thing – fall is here! As much fun as fall brings, it also brings the beginning of flu season. Flu season comes around each year and lasts through early spring. The peak of fall season usually happens in the winter, which will be here before you know it! 2020 brings additionally challenges to flu season as most of the country is still struggling to get COVID-19 under control while experts work to formulate a vaccine. Staying prepared this flu season amidst COVID-19 is essential not just to your own health, but the health of your entire community.

Getting Your Flu Shot

The easiest way to prepare for flu season is to get your flu shot. Flu shots become available in August each year and the earlier you get one, the better! Health experts are urging people to get their flu shot in 2020 more than ever before due to the stress that our healthcare system is already under. Rising numbers of COVID-19 cases has stretched healthcare resources and staff to their limit. Managing that while also handling a rise in flu cases will be nearly impossible. Everyone over 6 months of age is eligible to get their flu vaccine and lower their risk of contracting the flu by over 80%! Think about what an impact that would have if every eligible person actually got vaccinated!

Lowering Your COVID-19 Risk

Lowering your risk of COVID-19 is not as easy as lowering your risk of the flu because there is no COVID-19 vaccine available yet. Federal, state, and local health experts have worked together to formulate some good guidelines that help people to stay prepared and lower your risk of contracting or spreading the virus while a vaccine is produced. Some of those guidelines include:

• Hand hygiene – frequent hand washing and sanitizing is essential. Avoid touching your face with your hands.
• Mask wearing – wear a mask anytime you’re not in your home, unless you’re in an outdoor environment where social distancing is done with ease,
• Social distancing – maintain a 6-foot social distance from anyone you don’t live with
• Stay home – avoid gatherings, parties, and unnecessary trips out of your home. Each time you leave the home you risk contracting or spreading the virus.

Treatment Options

Symptoms of the flu and COVID-19 can be very similar depending on the severity of the case. If you develop symptoms that you think may be related to the flu or COVID-19, stay home and contact AFC Urgent Care Lyndhurst. The urgent care staff can walk through your symptoms with you and determine the best course of action. If you need a COVID-19 or flu test, or prescription treatment for your symptoms, the urgent care center can provide those things 7 days a week with little to no wait times.

COVID-19 Testing & Telemedicine Visits in Lyndhurst, NJ

As winter approaches remember to stay safe and calm. Contact AFC Urgent Care Lyndhurst today to get your flu shot and schedule a COVID-19 telemedicine prescreening and testing. Don’t forget your mask! For questions about COVID-19 testing, please call 201-345-3839.