Winona Flu Cases Are on the Rise

(KWNO)-Local flu cases are on the rise. Walk-in vaccinations are available this week at the Winona Health Clinic through Friday, December 9th.

Healthcare professionals at Winona Health are reminding local residents who haven’t been vaccinated yet to do so as soon as possible given the rise in flu cases.

Jill Ender, director of Inpatient Pharmacy at Winona Health, said, “It takes a couple of weeks for protection to develop after the flu vaccination.” “The sooner you get vaccinated, the better, not only for yourself but also for [the] people you’ll be gathering with during the holidays.”

Winona Health will continue to operate its flu and COVID-19 vaccination walk-in clinics through December 9th, from 8 a.m.–4 p.m. daily. As always, check-in is on the clinic’s second floor at 855 Mankato Avenue in Winona.

Anyone interested in the flu vaccine after December 9th will be required to call the clinic to schedule their flu or COVID-19 vaccinations.

“We’re seeing an increase in people of all ages experiencing the discomforts of [the] flu,” noted Tina Glenzinski, director of Primary Care at Winona Health. “People forget how awful having the flu can feel until it hits them.”

The symptoms vary, but the most common complaints are fever, body aches, and nighttime coughing.

The flu can range from mild to severe and can be serious despite age in some instances; at times, it can even lead to death. Those individuals who are especially vulnerable include infants and young children, pregnant women, seniors, and those with other health conditions. Flu symptoms usually come on suddenly. Some or all of the following symptoms may occur:

A fever or a feverish or chilled feeling (not everyone who has the flu has a fever).

Coughing

Sore throat

runny or stuffy nose

Muscle and/or body aches

Headaches

Fatigue (tiredness)

Vomiting and/or diarrhea (Children are more susceptible than adults to vomiting and diarrhea.)

Regular-dose flu vaccines are available for people six months of age and older; Flublok® is available for people age 50 and older; and high dose vaccines are available for those age 65 or older.

Before arriving for any vaccination, make sure to have proof of insurance and wear comfortable clothing that allows the upper arm to be quickly and easily accessed. Also, make sure to wear a mask, as they are required for entry into Winona Health.

Road construction is complete for the year, and all roads to Winona Health have reopened.

To schedule an appointment, please call Winona Health at 507-454-3650. For additional information, visit winonahealth.org.