With the flu hitting Austin and surrounding areas, Mayo Clinic Health System – Albert Lea and Austin is helping patients get answers without having to visit the clinic.

With several patients reporting flu-like symptoms, Mayo Clinic Health System opened a flu information hotline, 507-379-2211, to help answer any questions regarding flu vaccine availability, what flu symptoms are, and what to do if someone comes down with the flu.

Kathy Stratton, a registered nurse and infection prevention coordinator in Austin, said the number is 3one way to help prevent influenza and its spread is by getting a flu shot.

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends an annual flu vaccination for all Americans over the age of 6 months,” she said in a press release. “Each year’s seasonal flu vaccine contains protection from the three or four influenza viruses that are expected to be the most common during that year’s flu season. It is not expected to protect against every strain of flu and the CDC has said that this year’s flu vaccine may not be a good match with the strains we’re seeing.”

Last week, Minnesota health officials reported a surge in flu outbreaks at schools and long-term care facilities.

Though flu season typically lasts from October to May, Stratton said they usually don’t see this big of an incline until February or March. Part of the problem this year is the strain. The most common strain has been H3N2, a subtype of influenza A. Stratton said although the flu vaccine had this strain in it, the virus has drifted.

Felice Paden, a registered nurse and Albert Lea’s infection prevention coordinator, said it’s still best to get vaccinated.

“Being vaccinated is far better than having no protection and it also helps protect the rest of the public,” she said in the release. “The more people who are immunized, the safer the public is from flu.”

Paden said most people who get the flu are able to treat themselves at home with bed-rest and drinking plenty of fluids, and often don’t need to see a health care provider. But if someone does have flu symptoms and is at a higher risk of complications, they should see their health-care provider right away.

Measures to reduce the spread of infection:

• Wash your hands frequently.

• Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough.

• Avoid crowds and if you’re sick stay home so that you don’t infect others.

• Don’t visit hospital patients if you’re sick.

Flu symptoms

Initially, the flu may seem like a common cold with a runny nose, sneezing and sore throat. While colds usually develop slowly, the flu tends to come on suddenly and you usually feel much worse with the flu than you would with a cold.

Common signs and symptoms of the flu include:

• Fever over 100 F (38 C)

• Aching muscles, especially in your back, arms and legs

• Chills and sweats

• Headache

• Dry cough

• Fatigue and weakness

• Nasal congestion

Most affected

High-risk patients

In rare cases, influenza and its complications can lead to serious medical issues and even death. Those most at risk for complications include:

• Young children, specifically under the age of 2

• Adults older than 65

• Pregnant women

• People with weakened immune systems

• People who have chronic illnesses

• American Indians and Alaska Natives