Flu season is officially here, and the best way to reduce your risk is by visiting a flu shot clinic in Monroe, LA. Getting your yearly flu vaccination helps protect you and those around you from serious illness. Flu season can start as early as October and last until May, with cases often peaking in February, making early protection essential.

While much has changed in our daily lives, the need to guard against influenza has not. A yearly influenza vaccine lowers your chances of getting sick and helps reduce the spread in our community. At St. Francis Urgent Care, our flu shot clinic offers convenient and reliable services to help you stay healthy this season.

Our urgent care is here to help with your flu shot needs., flu shots in monroe

What Is Influenza and What Are Common Flu Symptoms?

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that affect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It spreads mainly through droplets released when people cough, sneeze, or talk. Transmission can also occur when someone touches a contaminated surface and then touches their face.

Flu symptoms can vary from mild to severe, and in certain cases, the illness may become life-threatening. Common symptoms include:

  • Body aches
  • Chills
  • Cough
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever
  • Head congestion
  • Headache
  • Fatigue or loss of energy
  • Runny nose

Not everyone with the flu experiences all these symptoms, and some individuals can spread the virus even without showing signs themselves.
To stay protected, the CDC recommends an annual influenza vaccine for everyone six months of age and older. At St. Francis Urgent Care, our flu shot clinic provides vaccinations for patients four years and up, helping safeguard both individuals and the Monroe, LA community. 

Influenza and COVID-19

Both influenza and COVID-19 are highly contagious respiratory illnesses that share overlapping symptoms, but they are not the same disease. This is why it’s important to understand the difference between flu vs. COVID. While the flu shot will not protect against COVID-19, it does provide important protection during peak spread seasons.

At our flu shot clinic in Monroe, LA, we emphasize the importance of staying proactive. It’s possible to be infected with both the flu and COVID-19 at the same time, which can worsen complications. By getting vaccinated, you reduce your risk of battling both illnesses simultaneously.

Additionally, during outbreaks of COVID-19 and flu, vaccinations become even more critical. Hospitals can experience capacity issues, and lowering flu-related hospitalizations helps preserve resources for COVID-19 care.

If you’re experiencing flu-like symptoms and aren’t sure if it’s influenza or COVID-19, contact St. Francis Urgent Care. Our team can provide testing, in-person visits or even virtual care to guide you through the next steps.

Want to Stay Safe This Flu Season? Let Us Help

If you’re looking for a reliable flu shot clinic in Monroe, LA, St. Francis Urgent Care is here to help. Walk in today to your closest St. Francis Urgent Care location or check-in for your flu vaccination online. Together, we can fight the flu and keep our community healthy.