Tips for Getting Through Another Flu Season

It’s that time of year again. No, not holiday season, but flu season. Though you can get the flu anytime throughout the year, flu season runs from October to May, and most people get sick between December and February. 

At Pro-Health Urgent Care of Midland, our primary care specialists know all too well about flu season. We see a lot of people with fevers and body aches during this time of year. Here, we share with you some of our best tips for getting through flu season so you don’t get sick, or too sick.

Get your flu vaccine

Getting your annual flu vaccine is one of the best things you can do to protect yourself from the flu. Though the vaccine may not prevent you from catching the virus, it can help you avoid getting really sick. 

For the best protection, plan on getting your flu vaccine before the end of October. This gives your immune system enough time to develop a defense mechanism against the flu before you hit the peak of the infection season. 

Wash your hands

Most people get the flu when they inhale droplets of the virus from the air after someone with the infection coughs, sneezes, or talks. Droplets that land on the mouth or nose then enter the body.

However, you can also catch the flu if you touch an object that’s been contaminated with the virus and then touch your face. Did you know that people touch their face more than 20 times an hour? 

Washing your hands with soap and water frequently is a good way to prevent the transfer of any flu germs from your hands to your face. If you’re unable to wash your hands, using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is a good substitute.  

Disinfect frequently touched items

Cleaning and disinfecting things you touch frequently may also prevent the spread of flu germs, keeping you and your loved ones from getting sick. We recommend regularly disinfecting your keyboard and cellphone as well as doorknobs, light switches, and any other shared items like remote controls and the refrigerator door handle. 

Stay home when you’re sick

If you think you have the flu, or any other contagious illness like COVID-19, stay home. Signs and symptoms you may have the flu include:

• Fever with chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue

Unless you need medical care, stay home until you go a full 24 hours without a fever. If you have concerns about the flu or your symptoms, you can come in and see one of our urgent care specialists for an evaluation. We also offer telehealth appointments.

When you come in for care, we can test to see if you have the flu. We also provide COVID-19 testing. 

If you test positive for the flu, we can prescribe an antiviral treatment that might shorten the duration of your infection. However, these medications work best if you start taking them at the onset of your flu infection.

Are you ready for this year’s flu season? Now's the time to prepare. If you think you have the flu, you can count on the team at Pro-Health Urgent Care of Midland. Call our office in Midland, Michigan, or book an appointment online today.