The State of Michigan reported 12,414 new COVID cases over the past week as of Oct. 18, continuing a downward trend in confirmed virus-related cases. In the upper peninsula, we are blessed with these beautiful fall colors and as the snow brings the end of fall, flu season has peaked through a bit early this year.
As COVID-19 symptoms have been seen to reflect similar to that of the flu, Nurse Practioner Kellie Shipkey suggests for people to stop in and receive their vaccinations. “We’ve had positives in Influenza A most recently this has been a lot early than we usually see”, said Shipkey. As the winter months are closing in, we’ve been getting colder and colder weather as the days are going on the Superior Health Clinic reminds us to stay clean and stay healthy as this flu season is just around the corner. “It’s definitely that time of year when cold and flu season is rampant so you know we are seeing and testing for other things too like influenza strep right now is another big one”
While strep throat is a bacterial infection and can cause a scratchy throat feeling, it usually does not include similar flu symptoms or covid 19. The nurse practitioners at the walk-in clinic have been seeing really early cases of influenza type a. More common than type B, Influenza type A mutates in the human bod much faster than the B-type. “Getting your vaccines is definitely encouraged having the influenza vaccine can definitely help”, said Nurse Practitioner Rachel Teifke.
As the colder months are an obvious time to expect sore throat, headaches, coughs, and other common symptoms of the flu. All of the vaccines are available at local pharmacies without the requirements of prescriptions. Vaccines are our first line of defense to prevent the spread of these illnesses. If you or anyone you know are feeling these symptoms or prior to feeling those symptoms, the Superior Walk-in clinic is open from 9 AM – 9 PM.
