A local health-care provider reported Friday it had confirmed up to 75 cases of influenza at a single clinic in the past month.

According to representatives with Cullman Primary Care, a private health-care provider, between 50 and 75 confirmed flu cases have been treated at its Urgent Care Clinic since the start of flu season about a month ago, and cases have spiked considerably in the past week.

“Most people are interested when flu comes to the area, and we’d like them to know it’s here,” said CPC operations manager Brandi Bach Thursday. “It’s time to take some extra precautions like washing hands and getting flu shots.”

According to the Center for Disease Control, the CPC flu reports correspond with weekly, regional statistics.

In the CDC’s latest assessment, the government agency reported that while flu cases were declining in much of the country, they were increasing in the Southeast.

In particular, regional outbreaks were reported in Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina. In Florida, flu cases were reported to be “widespread,” though no influenza-related deaths were reported this week.

To help prevent the spread of flu, the CDC recommends a flu vaccine as the best way to prevent infection.

Usually administered in the form of a shot, a flu vaccine contains various strains of dead influenza virus, which helps the patient build a resistance to the virus. A flu vaccine in the form of a nasal spray containing weakened forms of the virus is also available, but the CDC reports it is not as effective as an injection.

Other CDC flu prevention tips include extra hand washing, avoiding contact with infected people and staying home if infected. For healthy adults, the flu usually spreads through respiratory droplets when a person coughs or sneezes. It can be passed on up to one day before the infected person experiences symptoms and up to five days after they become sick.

If infected, symptoms usually include fever, headache, tiredness, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, diarrhea and vomiting.

Infected persons should rest as much as possible, drink plenty of fluids and avoid tobacco and alcohol.

Flu shots are available locally at CPC. To schedule an appointment, call 736-2273. They are also available at the Cullman County Health Department for $5. Flu shots are administered at the health department from 7 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3:30 p.m. on Mondays and from 7 to 8 a.m. Tuesday through Friday.

People who have a severe allergy to eggs, have reacted to a flu vaccine in the past or have developed Guillain-Barre syndrome should not have a flu vaccine.

Side effects from the flu vaccine could include soreness, redness, swelling at the injection site, a low-grade fever and body aches.