How To Prepare for Flu Season

While we usually think about it as a mere inconvenience, the flu can be quite serious. So, you may be wondering how to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Infectious disease specialist Steven Gordon, MD, shares how to prepare for flu season and what precautions to take if you get the flu anyway.

Flu precautions worth taking

You can’t completely flu-proof your life, but there’s plenty you can do to reduce your risk. Consider:

Getting a flu shot

Studies show getting the flu vaccine lowers your chances of getting the flu — and if you do get it, you’re less likely to get seriously sick.

Doctors usually recommend flu shots for people over 6 months old, but they’re not right for everyone. Your healthcare provider can help you decide what’s best for you and your family.

“We recommend that people get a flu vaccine in September and October so they’re prepared at the start of flu season,” Dr. Gordon adds. “We have seen in recent years that flu season is showing up sooner and lasting longer than it used to. So, when possible, try to get the flu vaccine as soon as it’s available for you.”

Strengthening everyday hygiene habits

The advice may seem stale, but it’s also true: Maintaining good hygiene can lower your chances of catching the flu.

The flu is airborne. That means that respiratory droplets and particles can get you sick. You can also catch the virus by touching contaminated surfaces — not to mention coming in close contact with someone who’s already infected.

When it comes to flu prevention, Dr. Gordon says not to underestimate the importance of:

• Washing your hands
• Practicing good cough and sneeze etiquette
• Using hand sanitizer when there’s no sink nearby
• Trying not to touch your face

Creating healthier environments

“Act as if” is a great motto for respiratory season prep. By maintaining your house like you would if you knew someone living there was sick, the flu is less likely to take up residence. Dr. Gordon advises that you:

• Regularly disinfect surfaces: According to scientific studies, the flu can live on some surfaces for as long as 48 hours. It’s a good idea to clean and disinfect high-touch areas of your home — like door handles and light switches — on a routine basis.
• Improve ventilation: Flu viruses can hang in the air longer than you might think — especially in closed-up spaces. That’s why it helps to keep the air moving. If it’s too chilly to open a window, Dr. Gordon suggests using an air purifier.

If somebody in your house actually is sick, consider creating “sick spaces.” If you have two bathrooms in your house, for example, assign one of them to family members who are sick.

This approach isn’t always practical — especially if it’s your kid who’s got the flu. But it may help keep the flu from spreading through your whole household.

Supporting your immune system

Building a strong immune system is one of the most important things you can do to reduce your flu risk. You can support your body’s defenses by:

• Eating immune-boosting foods
• Staying hydrated
• Getting enough quality sleep
• Staying active
• Managing stress
• Getting help for chronic health conditions

Wearing a mask

Some people choose to wear masks during cold and flu season, especially in crowded spaces, while traveling or when they’re around people at a higher risk for complications.

“While it’s not for everyone, studies show masking can help reduce the spread of illness in close-contact settings,” Dr. Gordon says.

Recognizing symptoms early

During flu season, noticing symptoms fast can make a big difference, both for you and the people around you.

“If you’re feeling fatigued, or you’re getting chills, don’t dismiss it,” Dr. Gordon stresses. “Assume you’re getting the flu and get ahead of your symptoms.” You can do that by:

• Getting extra rest
• Drinking more water
• Taking over-the-counter medications as needed (more on this in a bit)

If you think you might have the flu, Dr. Gordon recommends contacting your primary care provider.

“Ask if you are a candidate for the antiviral medications,” Dr. Gordon suggests. “They may help you bounce back faster.”

It’s also considerate to stay home when you’re sick, especially if you have a fever or spend time around people who are more vulnerable. And here’s a bonus: That extra rest may speed up your recovery!

“Influenza is most contagious between the day before you start developing symptoms and the following five to seven days,” explains Dr. Gordon. “Staying home and avoiding others can reduce the likelihood of spreading the virus.”

Stocking your medicine cabinet

Dr. Gordon suggests keeping a few basics on hand in case the flu hits. Essentials include:

• A fever reducer like acetaminophen (Tylenol®)
• Ibuprofen for muscle aches
• Cough syrup
• A thermometer
• Tissues
• Herbal tea or electrolyte drinks

“There are a lot of great over-the-counter medications that you can use for symptom relief,” he explains. “You can also get a flu and cold medication to help cut down on the nasal stuffiness and the cough that you might have.”

If you have a health condition that puts you at a greater risk for severe illness, it may also be helpful to have a pulse oximeter at home. This device measures how much oxygen is in your blood.

Call your provider if your pulse oximeter reading is 95%. Call an ambulance if it’s 88% or lower.

Final thoughts

Many of the steps you take to help prevent the flu can also keep other viruses at bay — like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), norovirus (stomach flu) and even the common cold. That’s why simple habits like washing your hands often, disinfecting high-touch surfaces, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when you’re sick aren’t just for flu season.

“Every season is infectious disease season,” Dr. Gordon says with a smile. “The best-case scenario is that these precautions become like second nature. After all, your health is worth protecting year-round.”