This year, with COVID-19 still prevalent in our community, doctors and health experts are saying it’s more important than ever to protect yourself from the flu.

“The flu vaccine is crucial this fall and winter,” said Chris Lombardozzi, MD, chief medical officer of quality for Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System. “The same measures that help guard against COVID-19 – washing your hands, wearing masks and distancing from others – also help prevent transmission of the flu. Still, it is incredibly important to take the additional step and get your annual flu vaccination.”

To help fight the flu, community members can receive free flu vaccines from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14. This drive-thru clinic will be located at Cornerstone Baptist Church, 700 South Converse St., Spartanburg, S.C. The Spartanburg County Foundation, S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control, ReGenesis Health Care and Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System are working together to make the event possible.

Because some of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, it may be hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. Receiving the vaccine can reduce the spread of the flu and reduce the chances that one virus could be mistaken for the other, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The yearly vaccination is recommended for people 6 months and older, according to the CDC.

In addition to the flu vaccine, additional ways to protect yourself from the flu and COVID-19 include:

• Wearing a mask when you are in public
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
• Covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
• Washing your hands properly
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth

Where to get your flu shot

Community members can receive free flu vaccines from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14. This drive-thru clinic will be located at Cornerstone Baptist Church, 700 South Converse St., Spartanburg, S.C. No pre-registration or insurance is required.

Many area pharmacies also offer flu vaccinations at little to no cost, and patients can consult with their primary care providers about the seasonal flu shot.

What do I do if I think I have the flu or COVID-19?

If you have been exposed to COVID-19 and need to be tested, please visit SpartanburgRegional.com/Coronavirus for a listing of Spartanburg Regional testing locations.

If you think you may have the flu, visit an Immediate Care Center, and you can check-in online.

If you don’t have a primary care physician, find a physician so that you can stay healthy during this time.