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CONTRIBUTED PHOTO – Amid all the attention paid to COVID-19 vaccinations, U.S. health experts have another plea: Don’t skip your flu shot. With the reopening of American schools and businesses, the resumption of international travel and much less hiding this fall, the flu is likely to make a comeback.
Flu season has arrived, with local pharmacies offering injections and with the peak of the season just around the corner.
Marshall County Director of Public Health Pat Thompson said people should get their flu shots now, with the best time being before October, when flu season begins.
“Ideally, everyone should be vaccinated by the end of October”, Thompson said.
She said the peak flu season is considered to be January and February, but the flu can be caught year round. Because people congregate more indoors during the winter and fall months, viruses are more likely to spread.
Thompson said she has said for years that the flu shot is the only protection others have against the flu. Flu vaccine protects against four different strains, making it one vaccine “quadrivalent” vaccine. The strains include two influenza A viruses, the H1N1 and H3N2 viruses, and two influenza B viruses.
Not everyone can get the flu shot, including babies under six months old and people with allergies to the flu shot.
“One of the ideas is that we get the flu shot so that we don’t get the flu and not give it to someone else, including a little baby or other people who can’t. receive it. Thompson said.
Thompson said it was shown that there weren’t as many positive influenza cases last year amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but also that the flu had not been tested as many because testing was focused on COVID-19. Masks, social distancing and isolation also helped fight the flu last year.
“The exposure has been really reduced because of the pandemic and the measures we have taken to prevent the spread,” Thompson said.
For those who might not be feeling well during this year’s flu season, Thompson’s recommendation is to act like it is COVID until you know otherwise.
“I’ve had a few people who still only had a runny nose or thought it was a cold that ended up being COVID. “ Thompson said. “They’re not all like that, we know, but for me, I would be too cautious. “
It also means staying home when you feel sick.
“Believe me, we understand it’s hard to do because there are bills to pay and people who depend on you at work and that sort of thing.” Thompson said. “Just make smart decisions, wear your mask, that sort of thing to help prevent the spread.”
Where to get the flu shot in Marshalltown
The flu shot is available at the McFarland Clinic primary care offices, and an appointment can be made online or by calling your primary care provider’s office. The McFarland Clinic also has upcoming drive-thru clinics for ages 12 and over with indoor clinics for all ages at their south side office at 303 Nicholas Dr. The next drive-through clinic is Tuesday, October 5 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Indoor clinics are Friday, Oct. 8 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 27 from 1 to 5 p.m. and Thursday, Nov. 18 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Call or book an appointment online.
UnityPoint Health says it’s calling your primary care provider to schedule your flu shot now.
Hy-Vee currently has the flu shot available without an appointment or a prescription needed. Driving flu vaccination clinics are available until October 30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Walgreens currently has flu shots available by appointment or walk-in.
Walmart pharmacies also offer flu shots by appointment or walk-in.
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