Mercy Health – Springfield announced that Urbana Family Medicine and Pediatrics is offering a twice weekly flu clinic through January.

The clinic is open 1-4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the medical practice, 204 Patrick Ave. Appointments and walk-ins are welcome. Call 937-484-6157 or 937-653-3445 to schedule an appointment. Patients must have an insurance card or payment at the time of service.

Influenza, or “flu,” is a contagious seasonal respiratory virus. The exact timing and duration of flu seasons can vary but influenza activity often begins to increase in October, peaking between December and February. Activity can last as late as May.

Some people will develop complications such as pneumonia because of flu. These complications can be life-threatening and result in death.

People at high risk of developing serious influenza-related complications include people 65 years and older; people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease; pregnant women; and children younger than 5 years old, but especially those younger than 2 years old.

The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get an annual flu vaccination.