This Winter Prevent Flu and COVID-19  

Disclosure :: This post is sponsored by LCMC Health Urgent Care.

This Winter Prevent Flu and COVID-19  

Even though our South Louisiana weather is so unpredictable, there’s one thing we can be sure of as we head toward the close of the year, winter is right around the corner. While winter brings such welcome activities as the holidays, gumbo dinners and smores around a crackling fire, it also harkens the arrival of flu season and in the last couple of years, that has meant facing the double threat of flu and COVID-19. Since both of these sicknesses are viruses, many of the same tactics are used to prevent both. So, to ensure you enjoy winter activities and holiday get togethers, here are some tips on preventing flu and COVID-19.

Take Your Shot at A Healthier Tomorrow

Your first line of defense against both of these viruses is to get vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the single best way to reduce the risk of seasonal flu and its potentially serious complications is to get vaccinated each year. In addition, COVID-19 vaccines are effective at helping protect against severe disease and death, including such strains as the Delta variant. People who are moderately to severely immunocompromised are recommended to get an additional dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. So, get both your flu shot and COVID vaccines this fall.

Take the Next Steps in Prevention

Taking some small steps in prevention practices everyday can keep you from contracting both of these viruses. Keep your hands clean and wash them often with soap. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough since flu and COVID viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with the virus cough, sneeze or talk. Avoid close contact, especially with people you think may be sick and if you feel sick, if possible, stay home from work, school, and errands to help prevent spreading your illness to others. If you think you may have COVID, get tested. In addition, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, which are all areas that can easily be contaminated by germs. Also be sure to practice all-around good health habits like cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

Take LCMC Health Urgent Care Up on Our Offer to Help

At LCMC Health Urgent Care, we are here to help. We offer flu shots for ages 4 years and up. If you think you have COVID-19 or flu, we are here with rapid tests that can get your results back quickly so you can take the next step for your care. If you do happen to come down with flu, a severe cold or sinus infection, we can offer you treatment to help you feel better faster. LCMC Health Urgent Care has seven convenient, walk-in clinics here in the New Orleans area: Lakeview (826 Harrison Ave. Ste. A), Gretna (2600 Belle Chase, Hwy. B-2),Clearview (1105 S Clearview Pkwy.), Algiers (3801 General DeGaulle Dr.) and Marrero (4945 Lapalco Blvd.) are open 7 days a week and no appointment is ever necessary. Our reach also extends to the Covington area. All clinic hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. We’ll also be open on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve/Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve/New Year’s Day. For more infor­mation, visit lcmchealthurgentcare.com. Get answers at any LCMC Health Urgent Care location. Also, be sure to “Like” and “Follow” LCMC Health Urgent Care on Facebook and Instagram.

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