Valley flu clinics become more common and more convenient

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -
Flu clinics across the Valley are becoming more common, and a more convenient way for those with flu, or covid-like symptoms, to get checked.
The Mercy Health flu clinic, located on Wick Avenue on YSU's campus has extended its hours.
It's a move that comes as hospitals and emergency rooms across the valley are seeing more and more patients with flu, or covid-like symptoms.
"The reason being, truly is because when these individuals are going to emergency departments, especially if they have mild symptoms, they may be experiencing longer wait times and the reason being is because we have individuals that have more severe or acute type diagnosis, or illness or injury that we have to see first," said Public Relations and Communications Manager with Mercy Health, Jonathon Fauvie.
In Columbiana, Salem Regional Medical Center is also offering a flu clinic, located at Firestone Farms. This location opened just last month as a response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
"We are doing that to try and help alleviate some of the pressure on the emergency department," said Vice President of Marketing and Planning at Salem Regional Medical Center, Debbie Pietrzak.
Unlike many drive thru testing sites, these facilities do not require an appointment or a doctor's recommendation. Instead, an individual will see a doctor on site and then be tested for the flu or covid-19 if needed.
"These walk-in sites are available to those who might not have an established primary physician, they might not have another access point," said Fauvie.
"It's really taken off, a lot of people have accessed it again because there is very little waiting time, it's convenient, they're walking in, they're getting the care they need," said Pietrzak.
This doesn't mean emergency rooms are not still open to those experiencing severe symptoms, but these are another option as we see more and more people across our Valley becoming sick.