It is Flu Season! How to Reduce Your Risk for the Flu!
It’s Flu Season: How Can You Reduce Your Risk?
Each year, seasonal influenza circulates widely during the fall and winter months, often peaking during the holiday season when families and friends gather indoors. Clinics and urgent care centers see a significant increase in patients presenting with classic flu symptoms, including fever, chills, myalgias, headache, sore throat, nasal congestion, and cough. For many patients, symptom onset is abrupt and severe—often described as feeling “hit by a truck.”
How Does the Flu Spread?
Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory virus that spreads primarily through respiratory droplets. When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, virus-containing droplets are released into the air and can be inhaled by others nearby. Transmission can also occur through contact with contaminated surfaces, followed by touching the nose, mouth, or eyes.
The incubation period for influenza is typically 1–4 days, with most individuals developing symptoms about two days after exposure.
How Can You Prevent Getting the Flu?
The most effective way to reduce your risk of influenza is to get an annual vaccination. The flu vaccine is recommended for most individuals aged six months and older. It takes approximately two weeks after vaccination for protective immunity to develop. Vaccination can be administered as early as September and remains beneficial through late winter and early spring.
Additional prevention strategies include:
Frequent handwashing with soap and water or the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Avoiding close contact with individuals who are ill
Covering coughs and sneezes and avoiding touching your face
Staying home when sick to reduce community spread
If you develop symptoms consistent with influenza, contact your healthcare provider. Diagnostic testing for influenza, COVID-19, and streptococcal pharyngitis may be recommended to guide treatment decisions.
What Should You Do If You Have the Flu?
Individuals with influenza are typically most contagious during the first several days of illness. To reduce transmission:
Stay home from work, school, and social activities
Avoid close contact with others, especially those at high risk for complications
Antiviral medications (such as oseltamivir or baloxavir) may be prescribed for early treatment within 48 hours, particularly for patients at increased risk of complications. These medications can shorten symptom duration and reduce the risk of severe outcomes.
Additional supportive care includes:
Remaining fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medications before returning to normal activities
Adequate rest and hydration
Symptom relief with acetaminophen or ibuprofen (as appropriate)
A teaspoon of honey before bedtime may help alleviate cough in adults and older children (not recommended for children under one year)
Who Is at Higher Risk for Flu Complications?
Certain populations are more vulnerable to severe influenza-related illness, including:
Adults 65 years and older
Individuals with chronic medical conditions (e.g., asthma, cardiovascular disease, diabetes)
Those with immunocompromising conditions
Pregnant individuals
Children under 5 years of age, especially infants under 6 months
When Should You Seek Medical Care?
Seek prompt medical attention if you experience:
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Chest pain or pressure
Persistent or recurrent fever
Symptoms that improve and then suddenly worsen
Marked weakness, lethargy, or confusion
Decreased urine output or signs of dehydration
Final Thoughts
Staying proactive during flu season is key. Keeping up with vaccinations, practicing good hygiene, and seeking timely medical care can significantly reduce the risk of complications. As always, maintaining overall wellness through a balanced diet, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and routine preventive care plays an important role in supporting immune health throughout the year