Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea and Austin has opened a flu information hotline in the wake of a number of patients reporting flu-like symptoms in the last few weeks.

The hotline, at 507-379-2211, aims to answer questions regarding flu vaccine availability, what flu symptoms are and what to do if you get the flu.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone over 6 months in age, said Kathy Stratton, registered nurse and infection prevention coordinator on the Austin campus.

“Each year’s seasonal flu vaccine contains protection from the three or four influenza viruses that are expected to be the most common during that year’s flu season,” Stratton said in a news release. “It is not expected to protect against every strain of flu, and the CDC has said that this year’s flu vaccine may not be a good match with the strains we’re seeing.”

Despite this, Felice Paden, registered nurse and infection prevention coordinator on the Albert Lea campus, said being vaccinated is better than having no protection and helps protect the rest of the public.

“The more people who are immunized, the safer the public is from flu,” Paden said.

The release suggested additional measures to reduce the spread of infection:

Wash your hands frequently

Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough

Avoid crowds and, if you’re sick, stay home so that you don’t infect others

Initially, the flu may seem like a common cold with a runny nose, sneezing and sore throat.

“While colds usually develop slowly, the flu tends to come on suddenly and you usually feel much worse with the flu than you would with a cold,” Stratton said.

Common signs and symptoms of the flu include:

Fever over 100 degrees Fahrenheit

• Aching muscles, especially in your back, arms and legs

• Chills and sweats

• Headache

• Dry cough

• Fatigue and weakness

• Nasal congestion

“Most people who get the flu are able to treat themselves at home with bed rest and drinking plenty of fluids, and often don’t need to see a health care provider,” Paden said. “If you have flu symptoms and are at a higher risk of complications, see your health care provider right away.”

In rare cases, influenza and its complications can lead to serious medical issues and even death. Those most at risk for complications are young children, specifically under the age of 2, adults older than 65, pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems and people with chronic illnesses.

The Minnesota Department of Health has reported the flu is now widespread in Minnesota, a sign this year’s influenza season will be harsher than most.

Alden-Conger School canceled classes last week because of an outbreak of illness, including reports of flu, strep throat, mononucleosis and pneumonia.

Shannon Zwanziger, an Owatonna High School senior who died Dec. 9, tested positive for the flu, according to preliminary autopsy results.