Our little corner of the world is not immune to the flu quickly spreading through the country.

Like everywhere else, Southwest Health is feeling the effects of more people getting sick and the consequences spreading throughout our small community. During this flu season, an increase in cases of seasonal illnesses, especially the flu, is sending more people to urgent care, making the wait times longer for people to be seen and treated.

To lessen the stress put on urgent care clinics, Southwest Health is asking people with mild to moderate symptoms who consider themselves in good health to manage their symptoms at home with over-the-counter pain and cold/cough medications.

Currently, there is a national shortage of anti-viral medications sometimes prescribed to patients with influenza. While these medications do not cure the flu, they help clear the viral burden faster, which can sometimes shorten the time people experience symptoms. Because of this national shortage, Southwest Health Urgent Care is prioritizing anti-viral prescriptions for hospitalized people with high-risk influenza.

So, what should you do if you have the flu? If you are experiencing mild symptoms and are otherwise healthy, you should remain home and rest. While at home, ensure you are hydrating and taking medications like Tylenol and/or Ibuprofen to manage your pain and any fever symptoms.

There are steps you can take to protect yourself from the flu. If you have not received your flu shot, it’s not too late. Across the country, hospitals are finding people with more intense symptoms are not vaccinated against the flu. If you’d like to get your flu shot, you can call the Platteville Clinic at Southwest Health at (608) 348-4330 or patients can get the flu shot at The Pharmacy at (608) 342-6200. Make sure to frequently wash your hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds.

Thank you for taking precautions to keep yourself, friends, family and neighbors safe this winter. Southwest Health wishes everyone a happy and healthy holiday.