Although there is currently not a significant threat of coronavirus, First Care Clinics has received many questions pertaining to how to protect yourself and stay healthy.

In the United States, 10 people have been diagnosed with the coronavirus from Wuhan China and 565 people diagnosed worldwide, according to a news release from First Care Clinics. In response to this, the White House has declared a state of emergency over the outbreak.

With the threat of coronavirus being substantially low, First Care Urgent Care stresses there is another respiratory illness that currently hits much closer to home. The flu is a prevalent threat to public health and has killed more than 10,000 people in the United States this flu season alone, according to the news release.

The United States is in peak flu season, and First Care Clinics has seen this reflected in its clinics. People are urged to get their flu shot to protect themselves and others around them.

Prevention for the flu and coronavirus is very similar. Sabrina Briggs, director of clinical quality for First Care Clinics, recommends people wash their hands regularly, cover their mouth when sneezing and coughing and avoid contact with anyone who shows flu-like symptoms.

"It’s not too late to get your flu shot, and we as a community need to remember how serious the flu is," Briggs said.

All First Care Urgent Care locations, including the one at 1202 E. Tipton St., Seymour, carry the flu vaccine and are open every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.