Flu season is quickly approaching in Upstate South Carolina, so it's important to take steps to stay healthy, and if you do get sick, know where to get the right care. 

"While most of us who get the flu will have moderate symptoms like body aches, fever and cough that can last a week or so and may keep us out of daily activities like work or school, other people may not be so fortunate," said Dr. Chris Lombardozzi, Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System’s senior vice president and chief medical officer – hospitals. 

Each year, the flu claims the lives of 20,000 to 40,000 Americans, with the majority being older adults or individuals with significant chronic medical conditions, according to Dr. Lombardozzi. 

"The best way to prevent severe symptoms and spreading the flu to others is to get vaccinated," Dr. Lombardozzi said. "While the flu vaccine doesn't prevent you from getting the flu, it gets your body ready to fight it off better. The flu vaccine is a great way to reduce your risk of severe illness, loss of work or school time and spreading it to your friends and family." 

Dr. Michael Schmidt, a physician with Medical Group of the Carolinas – Internal Medicine – Greer, emphasizes that maintaining good hygiene is especially crucial during this time of year. 

“It is more important than ever to practice routine hand hygiene and other disinfecting practices to minimize the spread of germs," he said. “The flu can be detrimental from a health perspective, so it is imperative to discuss with your primary care provider about the flu vaccine if you have not already received it this year. 

Dr. Schmidt and our team of physicians recommend adopting these healthy habits as flu season approaches: 

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
• Eat a balanced diet with nutritious foods.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, which can spread germs after touching contaminated surfaces.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap is not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing to prevent the spread of germs.
• Stay home if you are sick and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Get plenty of rest. 

And when sickness strikes, whether it be the flu, RSV or anything else, deciding where to go to receive the best care is critical. 

Unless it’s an emergency, scheduling an appointment with your primary care physician is always the best approach. Your primary care provider knows your medical history and can offer more personalized care, discuss medication options, and advise the next steps if your illness worsens. 

Spartanburg Regional’s five immediate care centers accept walk-in patients with no appointment necessary and should be used if an illness is not life-threatening and you are unable to make an appointment with a primary care physician. Immediate care centers should be considered for more common illnesses or medical ailments. 

Spartanburg Regional’s emergency departments are available 24/7 to treat life-threatening medical emergencies. If you or someone else is experiencing symptoms of stroke or heart attack, call 9-1-1 immediately. 

You should seek medical attention at an emergency department for serious conditions, including: 

• Chest pain or pressure
• Convulsions or seizures
• Difficulty breathing or choking
• Difficulty speaking, drooping face or numbness of limbs
• Loss of consciousness
• Poisoning
• Severe head, neck or back injury
• Severe bleeding or burns
• Severely broken bones or loss of limb 

Being well-informed ensures you receive the most appropriate level of care.