With fall and winter upon us, the flu season is here as well. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help prevent the spread of the flu and other viruses, including colds and COVID-19.

The flu and other respiratory viruses are spread through droplets released into the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or laughs. You can become infected by breathing in these particles or by touching surfaces they’re on and then touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.

At Family Urgent Care, with locations in Schererville, Indiana, and the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, we offer comprehensive family medicine as well as walk-in urgent care when you’re feeling unwell. 

We also understand the value of preventive action, especially when it comes to halting the spread of viruses. So we’ve put together this helpful list of our top five tips for how to keep your family safe this flu season and all year long.     

1. Get a flu shot

September and October are the best months to get your flu shot for optimal protection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that every person age 6 months and older should get a flu shot every year. The team at Family Urgent Care offers flu vaccines as part of our family medicine care and no appointments are needed.

2. Wash your hands regularly

Bacteria and viruses can live on many surfaces, including things that are touched frequently, such counters and doorknobs. When you touch a surface with the virus and then touch your face, you can become infected. 

Be sure to wash your hands with soap and hot water after using the restroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, sneezing, or coughing. When you can’t wash your hands, use a hand sanitizer that’s at least 60% alcohol to kill any viruses. 

3. Avoid close contact

Maintaining a bit of distance from other people is always a good idea during flu season. By following social distancing guidelines in place due to COVID-19, you can also help slow the spread of the flu.  

Don’t shake hands or kiss people outside of your household. Furthermore, avoid touching potential contaminated surfaces, such as handrails, doorknobs, handles, and other people’s phones. 

4. Try not to touch your face

By avoiding touching your face — especially your eyes, nose, and mouth — as much as possible, you can help keep yourself and your family safe this flu season. It can be a difficult habit to break, but it’s a sure way to cut down on your risk of getting infected by a virus. 

This year, due to COVID-19, the CDC recommends keeping your mouth and nose covered when around people from outside of your household. Wearing a mask or facial covering may help reduce your risk of getting or spreading viruses. 

5. Keep things clean

Since viruses can live on surfaces, it’s important to clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that are touched frequently, especially if you have young children. Disinfectant wipes are extremely useful, but you can also use household cleaning sprays to help keep surfaces germ-free.

To learn more about keeping you and your family safe this flu season, book an appointment online or over the phone with Family Urgent Care today. We also welcome walk-ins.

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Vanell W.
1733847331
My spirits was very wonderful.The people was nice and kind.I enjoyed it.I will come again
Chase L.
1733691371
The office is great . Very polite and accommodating . They also accept state insurance . No long wait time . I definitely recommend.
Jasmin B.
1733689368
I can hear with rib pain and was taken care of quickly. The guys in the front were quick and helped set up really fast. Dr. Lena Farah was great in explaining everything the pain could be from as well as what it could NOT be from which really helped assure me. She was super comprehensive as to what every symptom I could have was from. She was very educated and very nice when discussing what I came there for.
Princess T.
1732724168
Very helpful and nice
Kathy J.
1732656110
Very quick visit! Everyone was very polite and efficient. Thank you!
afreen S.
1732511879
This place was stunning! The staffs and doctors were presenting really friendly and kindly. And I loved how well-maintained and clean everything was!...
afrah I.
1732233352
I really love the hospitality in this urgent careFor ladies I recommend dr Lena farahShe is awesome very friendly down to earth person!Thank you once again
aidan S.
1732227279
I *love* the folks at this Rogers park location!! Over the past couple of years I've visited them for a wide range of things and each time I walk away feeling listened to, cared for and generally impressed.
Dionysius!
1731805075
Very attentive staff, made it in and out with my prescription. Thanks guys!
stephanie K.
1731804675
Amazing, fast and helped me.
David B.
1731626511
Efficient and pleasant service
jawad F.
1731429557
Professional and caring team .
mahmoud A.
1731182004
They are so kind and helpful. Thank you
Noor K.
1731110575
Very nice experience, would recommend. Everyone was helpful
Keywan W.
1731096027
Great doctors and great services
Josie B.
1731085035
quick easy help
George K.
1730991187
Beter service then my primary doctor. In and out in 25 minutes
Liam B.
1730829958
Very professional and courteous
natasha S.
1730824650
I was seen promptly. The sign-in process was easy, and the staff were friendly. It was clean space.
Simone H.
1730821733
Good quality care fast and reliable very polite staff definitely recommend
Carlos M.
1730580633
Family Urgent Care is great! Very knowledgeable. I appreciate the help. Thank you.
Samantha J.
1730422932
Friendly staff and great care.
frehiwot T.
1730412502
I had the quick help, they were all nice and professional. I highly recommend this urgent care
Suleman M.
1730131294
very nice and clean with lot of respect and good consultation, treated with all posible aspect.
Victoria D.
1729699611
Fast, friendly, and kind.
Nadia P.
1729698158
Very fast and professional service
brittany H.
1729612782
Very nice staff and helpful
Dina P.
1729607831
Got me in quick even though I was a walk in and answered all my questions
Beejay F.
1729116512
Very family friendly and reliable
Jean B.
1729010096
I walked in and in less than 1 1/2 hours I was out and on my way home. Very nice people.
SHARON L.
1728754338
Excellent service
Elizabeth F.
1728404102
Muy amables todos
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