Fight the Flu Faster with eArrival

The U.S. is in the midst of our worst flu season in nearly a decade. Though it is hard to predict the length and severity of a flu season, the Centers for Disease Control says previous seasons with similar dominant strains lasted 16 to 20 weeks, which means we are about halfway there.

That also means it is not too late to get your flu vaccine. This year’s vaccine has been ruled effective against about 30 percent of H3 viruses this year, which is still better than no protection at all. Your MercyCare primary care provider or any MercyCare Urgent Care provider can give you a flu shot.

Remember to wash your hands frequently, cover your cough or sneeze, and avoid touching high-traffic surfaces like door handles as much as possible. This animated video has more tips to help kids get on board with flu prevention.

If you do experience flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, and fatigue), get to your nearest MercyCare Urgent Care clinic.

You can reduce your wait time at the clinic with eArrival. This convenient service allows patients to check-in prior to arrival at the clinic and experience a shorter wait time there as a result.

Here is what patients are saying about eArrival:

• "eArrival was a great experience! We got right in!"
• "We used the eArrival feature and it was very convenient!"
• "This visit, in and out in 20 minutes. Such a time saver with young kids."
• "Using eArrival is the only way to go!"

It is also important that you stay home if you have a flu diagnosis or symptoms. Stay hydrated, rest up, and try to keep from sharing the flu with others.