MADELIA — While the coronavirus continues to be on everyone’s mind, it is still important to protect yourself from the seasonal flu by getting your annual flu shot.

This year, Madelia Health is encouraging people to get a flu shot sooner rather than later. Since it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against flu, people should get a flu vaccine before flu viruses begins spreading in the community.

Flu vaccinations are now available at the clinics in Madelia, Truman and Lake Crystal, with no appointment necessary, but to avoid waiting, appointments can be scheduled. Flu shots can also be given during a regular clinic visit.

In addition, drive-up clinics are planned at the Madelia Ambulance Base, so people don’t even have to leave their vehicles. Simply drive up to the 106 Drew Ave. location and follow the signs. If you can, please fill out registration forms beforehand. Registration forms and vaccine information sheets for the Flu Shot Clinics can be downloaded from the Madelia Health website at madeliahealth.org.

Flu Shots Clinics

Madelia: 106 Drew Ave. S.E., at the Ambulance Base across the street from Madelia Health on Thursday, Sept. 15 from 7-10 a.m. and Thursday, Sept. 22 from 3-6 p.m.

Lake Crystal Pharmacy: 210 S. Main St. from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. No appointment is needed. The pharmacy will also do on-site shots for businesses. Call the pharmacy for more information.

Getting a flu shot spreading the virus to people in high-risk populations like babies, pregnant women, elderly people, and people who have chronic diseases. The Centers for Disease Control recommends everyone 6 months of age and older get vaccinated every flu season. Preventing flu is always important, but in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s even more important to do everything possible to reduce illnesses and preserve scarce health care resources.

Influenza and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses caused by viruses that can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death.

Signs and symptoms of influenza and COVID-19 are similar and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.

Symptoms of COVID-19 can include fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, fatigue, congestion and loss of taste or smell.

Other less common symptoms of COVID-19 include gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

Steps to protect against influenza and COVID-19:

• Get vaccinated for the flu and COVID-19.

• Stay at least six feet from other people if you are in public places.

• Wear a face mask indoors, and whenever social distancing is not possible outdoors.

• Stay at home as much as possible.

• Avoid exposure to others who are sick with a flu-like illness.

• If you are not feeling well, stay home. If your children are ill, keep them home.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or cough or sneeze into your sleeve.

• Wash your hands often, with soap and water. Wash for at least 20 seconds.

• Wash your hands after being in a public place. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol.

• Wash your hands after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

• Take special care to protect infants. Try not to expose them to large crowds when flu is in your community, and avoid close contact between the baby and family members who may be sick.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth as germs spread this way.

• Do not share drinking cups and straws.

• Clean commonly touched surfaces often (door knobs, refrigerator handles, light switches, phones, water faucets).

Your best source of information on the spread of the flu and COVID-19 are the websites of the Centers for Disease Control and/or the Minnesota Department of Health.