FARGO — The fifth season of the year, cold and flu season, has arrived.

Sanford Health is reminding patients that its walk-in clinics can help save on costs and time compared to the emergency clinic.

Hospital officials said wait times can last up to three hours at Sanford emergency clinics, while most walk-in patients can be seen in less than 30 minutes.

A nurse practitioner said a walk-in clinic is more useful for coughs and sniffles.

"From a healthcare provider standpoint, it's important to get your flu vaccine. They're available. You can make a nurse appointment for a flu vaccine. There should be some flu vaccine blitzes coming in the near future, and it's important to stay healthy this year," said JP Mansour, Sanford nurse practitioner.

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