The flu can affect anyone, and symptoms can range from mild to severe. Taking preventive steps before flu activity increases can help you and your family stay healthier throughout the season.
What Is the Flu?
Influenza, commonly called the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It primarily affects the nose, throat, and lungs and can spread from person to person.
Flu symptoms often come on suddenly and may include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Headaches
- Muscle or body aches
- Fatigue
- Vomiting or diarrhea, which may be more common in children
Not everyone with the flu will develop a fever, and symptoms can vary from person to person.
When Is Flu Season?
Although influenza viruses circulate throughout the year, flu activity typically increases during the fall and winter months in the United States. Because flu activity can vary from year to year, preparing early can help you avoid waiting until cases begin rising in your community.
One of the most important steps you can take is talking with your healthcare provider about seasonal flu vaccination.
Get Your Annual Flu Vaccine
Annual flu vaccination is recommended for most people 6 months of age and older, with rare exceptions. Because flu viruses change over time and protection from vaccination decreases, receiving a flu vaccine each season helps provide updated protection.
Getting vaccinated can reduce your risk of becoming sick with the flu. It can also help reduce the severity of illness if you do become infected.
Vaccination is especially important for people who may have a higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications, including older adults, young children, pregnant women, and people with certain chronic health conditions.
If you have questions about whether the flu vaccine is appropriate for you or your child, talk with your healthcare provider.
Practice Everyday Prevention
Your flu-season preparation shouldn’t stop with vaccination. Everyday habits can also help reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses.
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after coughing, sneezing, or spending time in public spaces. When soap and water aren’t available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be useful.
Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow rather than your hands. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth when possible, and regularly clean frequently touched surfaces in your home or workplace.
If you’re sick, staying home and limiting close contact with others can help prevent spreading the illness.
Support Your Health Before You Get Sick
Fall can quickly become a busy season. Between school schedules, work, holidays, and other responsibilities, healthy routines sometimes fall to the bottom of the list.
Try to prioritize adequate sleep, regular physical activity, nutritious meals, hydration, and management of existing health conditions. These habits aren’t substitutes for vaccination or medical care, but they are important parts of maintaining your overall health.
Flu season is also a good opportunity to make sure you and your family are up to date on routine medical care.
Know When to Contact a Doctor
Many people recover from the flu at home, but some cases require medical attention. Contact your healthcare provider if you are concerned about your symptoms, have an underlying medical condition, are at increased risk for complications, or aren’t improving as expected.
Antiviral medications may be recommended for some patients with influenza. These medications work best when treatment begins early, so don’t wait to contact your provider if you develop flu symptoms and are at higher risk for complications.
Seek immediate medical attention for serious warning signs such as difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, severe weakness, confusion, dehydration, or symptoms that improve and then return or worsen.
Prepare for Flu Season With Hillcroft Physicians
You don’t have to wait until you’re sick to prioritize your health. At Hillcroft Physicians, our healthcare providers are here to help patients and families prepare for flu season, manage respiratory illnesses, and stay on top of their overall health. From preventive care and vaccinations to evaluation and treatment when you’re feeling unwell, our team provides comprehensive care for patients throughout the Houston community.
Prepare now so you can head into flu season with greater confidence.
Schedule an appointment with Hillcroft Physicians today to discuss flu vaccination, preventive care, or any concerns about your health this season.
