FAIRMONT– Appointments for flu vaccinations are now available ahead of what’s expected to be a more severe flu season.

“The Australian flu season, which typically runs May through September, has already exceeded its five-year average, particularly affecting children under age 5, according to a recent report,” said Dr. Abinash Virk, an infectious diseases specialist at the Mayo Clinic.

While cases of the flu have gone down dramatically over the past two years during the COVID-19 pandemic, cases are expected to make a dramatic rebound as masking and social distancing measures are being phased out.

“This year we’re probably going to see a huge increase in flu due to the fact in 2020 we were masking and everybody was staying distanced … therefore we pretty much eliminated influenza (cases),” said Paige Meyers, a nurse practitioner at the Mayo Clinic in Fairmont.

People who get their flu shots soon will get protection right as the flu season begins.

“We’d like everyone to get vaccinated by the end of October so they are protected going into the peak of influenza season,” said Meyers.

With some exceptions for people who are immunocompromised or may experience adverse reactions to vaccines, everyone over the age of six months can receive a flu shot. Shots are available in the form of a traditional injection or a nasal spray. The flu is especially dangerous for young children and adults over the age of 65.

Like in previous years, this year’s flu shot provides protection against multiple varieties of the flu which epidemiologists predict will be the most dangerous and virulent strains. While it can be difficult to exactly predict how effective each year’s flu shot will be, it is still the most important component of flu prevention. Other ways to stop the flu include good hand and respiratory hygiene.

Common flu symptoms in adults include fever, cough, sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, headaches, muscle aches and fatigue. Younger children may also experience vomiting and diarrhea.

Both the flu and COVID-19 have similar symptoms. People experiencing flu-like symptoms can take a COVID-19 test at home and talk to their primary care provider about getting tested for the flu. People with the flu should also stay home and avoid contact with others.

Vaccination appointments can now be scheduled at the Mayo Clinic Health System via Patient Online Services, the Mayo Clinic App, or by calling 1-877-412-7575. Inoculations will begin on Oct. 17. Flu shots are covered by most insurance plans.

Adults and children not covered by health insurance can contact Human Services of Faribault and Martin Counties to receive a flu shot for a sliding fee of ten dollars per shot.

Flu shot appointments can also be a good time to catch up on other inoculations, particularly for respiratory diseases.