Marshfield Clinic
MARSHFIELD, WI (WSAU) — Health officials at Marshfield Clinic are encouraging everyone to make appointments as soon as possible to get this year’s flu shot as a busier than normal flu season is predicted.
“We are in influenza season,” said Director of Care Management Miranda Eggebrecht. “We recommend you get the flu shot as soon as possible so your body has time to build those antibodies in response so folks have full protection as we get further into the fall.”
She says that’s especially true with last year’s flu season being much quieter than normal thanks to the protections that were in place to guard against COVID-19 such as mask requirements and social distancing. “That means that some of the natural immunity that folks could have from contracting influenza last year probably is lower. We encourage everyone to get vaccinated so they have that full protection.”
Patients of Marshfield Clinic can schedule their flu vaccine over the phone or through any of their self-scheduling options. Eggebrecht adds that those who haven’t been vaccinated against COVID-19 can also schedule a single-dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine at the same time to take care of both at once.
Eggebrecht adds it’s also important to remember that the symptoms of influenza and COVID-19 are very similar including fatigue, chills or fever, body aches, sore throat, and a stuffy or runny nose. Those who experience a loss of taste or smell in addition to those symptoms are likely suffering from COVID-19.
“We recommend that if you experience any of those symptoms to get tested for COVID-19 because we can’t base our diagnosis just on the symptoms, unfortunately,” said Eggebrecht.
In either case, she says it’s best to immediately self-isolate by staying home from work or school at the first sign of symptoms, then consider getting tested. “Our nurse line is available 24/7 so even if you just want to [discuss your symptoms] you can certainly utilize that service. Then they’d be able to recommend testing and help you get set up for that as well.”
Also on Wednesday federal health officials warned that they are predicting an active flu season.
Comments