In order to help limit the spread of flu, beginning Friday, October 30, and until further notice, Winona Health is directing patients of all ages experiencing flu-like symptoms to the Winona Health Urgent Care Clinic, 420 E. Sarnia as the central location for evaluation and treatment of the flu. The administration and medical staff of Winona Health have developed this temporary Flu Clinic to address this serious community health issue.

Those seeking walk-in care for other urgent care issues (such as minor injuries, skin rashes, infections or non-flu symptoms) are asked to go to the Winona Clinic, 859 Mankato Avenue for walk-in care. To accommodate walk-in patients, Winona Clinic is extending its hours to Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday through Sunday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Winona Clinic is prepared to take walk-in patients throughout the day.

For more information about the flu, visit winonahealth.org/flu or, for general, non-emergency, flu-related questions, call the Winona Health Flu Hotline at 507.474.3145 or toll-free, 1.888.236.6755 or call the Minnesota FluLine (MN FluLine) at 1.866.259.4655 for information and treatment options.

Guide to flu symptoms

People experiencing flu-like symptoms that are severe enough to require evaluation by a healthcare provider, should visit the Winona Health Flu Clinic located in the Urgent Care Clinic. Flu-like symptoms include:

H1N1 Flu: The H1N1 influenza (more commonly known as swine flu) is a respiratory illness caused by a virus spread via coughing, sneezing and touching contaminated items then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Symptoms include:
• Fever (above 100o F)
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Stuffy nose
• Diarrhea and vomiting in some cases

Seasonal Flu: The seasonal flu is also a respiratory illness caused by a virus and spread via coughing, sneezing and touching contaminated items then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Symptoms include:
• Fever (may be high)
• Headache
• Extreme tiredness
• Dry cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle aches
• Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, more common in children

Serious Symptoms: Most people recover from the flu within one to two weeks without treatment. However, serious complications can occur. Go to Winona Health's Emergency Department immediately if you note any of the following symptoms:
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Purple or blue discoloration of the lips
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Signs of dehydration (dizziness upon standing; not passing urine; in infants, lack of tears when crying)
• Confusion or less responsiveness than usual
• Seizures or convulsions
• Severe vomiting or unable to keep fluids down