It’s not too late to get your flu shot
Flu activity in Washington is now elevated, according to the Washington Department of Health. It’s not too late to take precautions. But if you do end up with the flu, there are more options than ever for getting fast, affordable care.
“Some people seek care for the flu at hospital emergency rooms, which is generally not the most efficient or affordable,” says Mark Mariani, MD, a physician executive with MultiCare’s Retail Health division. “Most people can be treated quickly through their primary care doctors, urgent care clinics, online virtual visits or our house call service.”
MultiCare’s Puget Sound clinics can assess your symptoms, determine the best path for treatment and get you on your way quickly.
Options for care
- Schedule a same-day appointment at your MultiCare primary care physician’s office.
- Drop in (or schedule ahead online) at a MultiCare urgent care clinics — open seven days a week.
- Visit the Virtual Care website or download the app for an online visit with a doctor, seven days a week.
- Request a home visit from MultiCare’s DispatchHealth house call service — available seven days a week in the Tacoma-Pierce County and Spokane areas. MultiCare accepts all major health insurance in Washington state.
Still need your flu shot? Get one from MultiCare this weekend
- WHEN? Drop-in flu vaccinations will be offered at MultiCare Auburn Clinic on Saturday, Jan. 18, from 9am to 3pm. No appointment necessary.
- WHO IS ELIGIBLE? Flu shots are available to everyone age 6 months or older. (MultiCare provider not required.)
- WHAT IS THE COST? While flu vaccines are covered by most insurance plans, call your insurance company if you have any questions, and please bring your insurance card with you. If you do not have insurance, vaccinations cost $38, payable at time of service.
- LOCATION? MultiCare Auburn Clinic – Family Practice Shot Room, 735 12th St SE, Auburn, WA 98002
Protect against the flu
The best protections are frequent handwashing and getting a flu shot. The flu vaccine can reduce the risk of flu by about 50–60 percent. There’s still time. The flu shot is effective as long as flu viruses are circulating.
Everyone older than 6 months old should get the flu shot, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), particularly those at higher risk:
- Children younger than 5 but especially younger than 2
- Adults 65 and older
- Pregnant women
- Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
- Native Americans
- People with certain medical conditions
Where to get flu shots
MultiCare offers flu shots for adults and children at many locations throughout the Puget Sound region. Make an appointment with your primary care provider, pediatric provider or visit one of MultiCare’s walk-in clinics:
- MultiCare Immunization Clinic at South Hill Mall
- Mary Bridge Immunization Clinic (for children 18 and under)
If you get a flu shot at a retail pharmacy, make sure to let your primary care doctor know so it can be added that to your medical record.
Additional protections against flu
- Avoid crowded places and close contact with people who are sick.
- Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
- Avoid touching your eyes and nose, as this is how flu viruses spread.
Flu symptoms
Typically, flu symptoms develop quickly and can include:
- High fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Nausea or vomiting
If you get the flu, take steps to feel better.
- Stay home and rest.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Treat fever and cough with over-the-counter medications for comfort.
- Avoid close contact with family members so you don’t pass on the illness.
If symptoms don’t improve, seek care.
Seek care promptly if:
- You have a cough, fever or other flu symptoms that don’t improve.
- You are pregnant, over age 65 or otherwise at high risk of flu-related complications.
More serious signs of a significant flu infection include difficulty breathing, inability to drink enough fluids and irritability in children. Patients with any of these symptoms should seek treatment immediately.
Still need your flu shot? Get one from MultiCare this weekend
- WHEN? Drop-in flu vaccinations will be offered at MultiCare Auburn Clinic on Saturday, Jan. 18, from 9am to 3pm. No appointment necessary.
- WHO IS ELIGIBLE? Flu shots are available to everyone age 6 months or older. (MultiCare provider not required.)
- WHAT IS THE COST? While flu vaccines are covered by most insurance plans, call your insurance company if you have any questions, and please bring your insurance card with you. If you do not have insurance, vaccinations cost $38, payable at time of service.
- LOCATION? MultiCare Auburn Clinic – Family Practice Shot Room, 735 12th St SE, Auburn, WA 98002
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