When the leaves start to change colors and the weather starts to get a little cooler, we all know that cold and flu season is well on its way.  

While there is nothing that can completely take away the risk of getting a cold or the flu, there are many things you can do to reduce your chances of getting sick.

1. Get your flu shot: Getting your annual flu shot protects you against new strands of influenza that occur every year, so while you may have gotten your flu shot last year, it won’t necessarily protect you this year.  
2. Stock your medicine cabinet: Get rid of expired medicines and make a list of what needs to be replaced.  Be sure to include fever and pain relief medicines, cough medicine, decongestants, and antihistamines.
3. Practice proper hand washing: Just rinsing your hands is simply not enough.  Start off with warm water and antibacterial soap, and work the lather for about 20 seconds, rinse thoroughly and dry your hands with disposable towels.
4. Clean household surfaces: Bacteria from viruses can live on hard surfaces for days a time.  Regularly cleaning household surfaces with disinfectants kills cold and flu germs in their tracks.  Make it a habit to wipe down surfaces such as doorknobs, countertops, and your electronic devices.
5. Change your lifestyle: Healthy habits are a sure way to boost your immune system.  Be sure to include a balanced diet along with staying hydrated, having a daily exercise regime, and getting a good night’s rest to get your immune system in check to avoid getting sick.

If you’ve been feeling under the weather, don’t hesitate to visit AFC Urgent Care Edgewater.  Our walk-in urgent care clinic makes it easy to receive the treatment you need without having to book an appointment with your primary care physician, or paying a hefty hospital bill from visiting the ER.

Along with walk-in treatment for a variety of upper respiratory illnesses such as the cold or the flu, we provide walk-in, seasonal flu shots and rapid strep testing seven days a week, to accommodate your busy schedule.

For more information about the services we provide, please call to speak with one of our medical professionals at 410.956.3394.