1. Our Urgent Care has already treated a few positive flu cases. THE FLU SEASON IS HERE.

Our Urgent Care, your doctor or any other urgent care in the area has a test to determine if you have the flu. Typically these tests identify 2 flu viruses lettered A or B. A nasal swab is done and within 15 minutes you will know if you have the flu. Don't wait until you're sick. Come in for the flu vaccine when you're healthy.

2. The health of your family is important.

Vaccines have been shown to be effective in reducing the number of flu cases in a particular flu season. If there is a way to avoid contracting the flu wouldn't you do it? I once heard a man say, “I get sick once or twice a year. The illness runs it's course and I'm back in action. I don't need the vaccine.”

My reply was, “Are you not worried about passing that illness on to your wife or kids?”

If there are no medical reasons for not getting the vaccine, like you're allergic to eggs, you have a fever, a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome or allergy to mercury than you should get vaccinated for your family.

3. You work with the public.

You work in healthcare

You work in retail

You work with children

You work with pregnant women

If you were to go to work and pass the flu onto a patient, customer or child it could have increased health risks to them. Did you know, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), you can be contagious up to one day before you have symptoms?

4. You are over the age of 65.

If you are over the age of 65 your immune system just isn't what it used to be. If you contract the flu, the fever and dehydration associated with it may require hospitalization, IV fluids and close observation. Getting the flu shot is far easier and safer.

5. The Influenza Virus is a formidable foe.

The flu virus changes from year to year. There are many different strains of flu. The strain that made people sick last year may not be the same this year. Therefore, this year's vaccine is different than last year's vaccine. The CDC recommends getting a flu vaccine every year.