Once the chill of fall sets in, we all know what comes next: flu season. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu cases are on the rise in some parts of the United States, including Omaha. While you can’t completely stop the virus from circulating, there are ways to protect yourself and those you love. One of the best resources you have this season is your local urgent care clinic. When taking care of those first sniffles or being proactive with your health, urgent care walk-in clinics can help you navigate the influenza season.
Flu Cases on the Rise in Omaha: How Urgent Care Can Help You Stay Healthy
Why Flu Season Hits Hard
Ever wondered why the influenza virus hits so hard? As the temperatures fall, we spend more and more time indoors. Reduced ventilation makes spreading viruses like the flu, RSV, and other respiratory illnesses easier.
Influenza cases are on the rise, and Omaha is no exception. The flu virus can thrive in holiday gatherings and busy schedules. If you’re juggling work, kids, and social commitments, getting sick can throw a major wrench in your plans.
The flu itself could knock you out for a week or even longer as you suffer with:
- Fever
- Body aches
- Coughing
- Exhaustion
The flu can hit you hard even if you’re healthy and active. It can keep you from carrying out your daily activities while you recover. Influenza can be even worse for children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.
With Flu Cases on the Rise, Urgent Care Plays A Key Role in Flu Prevention
If you want to take charge of this year’s flu season, urgent care is where it is at. Many urgent care venues in Omaha offer the flu shot. This is the best protection against the virus. Even if you can power through most colds, it’s worth getting the flu shot.
The flu shot reduces the possibility of you catching the flu. If you do, the vaccine moderates the torment you experience from symptoms and accelerates recovery.
Urgent care flu shots are convenient, available on a walk-in basis, and usually covered by insurance. Plus, you’re often in and out of the clinic quicker. There’s no need to sit through the wait times you endure at your primary physician’s office.
So, regardless of how crazy your schedule may get, there’s no excuse to neglect getting your flu shot this season.
Flu Shots for Kids: Why Urgent Care Is a Good Choice
The flu season can be atrocious for families. This is primarily due to the high levels of germs carried home by kids from school. Researchers recognize that nursery schools have a significant amount of flu activity. They can be spreaders of viral pathogens like:
- The flu
- Influenza-like illnesses ili
- Sars cov-2
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Kids often bring it home to their parents, infecting them.
The flu vaccine is one of the easiest ways of protecting your child and yourself this flu season. Urgent care centers in Omaha make it simple and convenient to get your dose.
No appointments are required, so drop by anytime. The staff is excellent with kids, making this experience smooth, even for kids afraid of shots. Early vaccination helps avoid sick days, doctor visits, and missed school.
What to Do If You’re Already Sick
What if you didn’t get the shot and feel like the flu is creeping up on you? That’s where urgent care shines. The first signs of the flu can come on fast with:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Muscle aches
The sooner you act, the better. Many urgent care centers offer rapid flu testing. Technicians complete laboratory-confirmed influenza testing in just a few minutes. You’ll know whether you’re dealing with the flu or a nasty cold.
Antiviral medications like Tamiflu can help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms. These treatments work best when started within 48 hours of the first symptoms’ emerging.
So, it’s essential to see a healthcare provider right away. Urgent care makes getting the treatments you need easy without the hassle of scheduling appointments days in advance.
Flu Cases Are on the Rise – Stay Healthy This Season
Staying healthy during the flu season is all about taking proactive measures:
- Early shots
- Frequent hand washing
- Stay home if you feel sick
- Don’t hesitate to go to urgent care at the first sign of illness
Urgent care clinics are prepared to handle matters efficiently so you get the requisite treatment. You can do this without wasting time at the emergency department.
Our Urgent Care Walk-In Clinics in Omaha, Bennington, West Omaha, Rockbrook, Crossroads & Bellevue, NE
Our staff works to provide prompt, personal, and professional care for all of our patients. We strive to provide the attention patients need in as quick a time as possible. Urgent Care Clinics in Omaha & Bellevue, Nebraska has three locations in the Omaha metropolitan area. Our three walk-in clinics are:
- Rockbrook Urgent Care
- Crossroads Urgent Care
- Bellevue Urgent Care
- West Omaha Urgent Care
- Bennington Urgent Care
Disclaimer
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