Flu Season Isn’t Over Yet. Here’s How to Avoid Getting Sick.

Flu season usually occurs between November and March, and recent reports indicate that flu cases are peaking earlier than usual this season. Flu season is more intense in the winter because the virus spreads more easily in cold air and low humidity, leading more people to get ill and transmit the virus.

If you haven’t yet received a flu shot, you should still get one at a primary care physician’s office or any of the eight CareSpot Urgent Care – Orlando Health centers. Seniors, pregnant women, those with chronic health conditions and young children — along with their caregivers and family members — should get a flu shot because these groups have a higher risk of complications if they become sick.

If you suspect you have the flu, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends an antiviral treatment within 48 hours of flu symptoms appearing. These can be provided at a primary care physician’s office or CareSpot Urgent Care – Orlando Health centers.

Several steps can help you reduce your risk of getting or spreading the flu. Those include:

• Stay away: If you can, avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Rest up: Sleep is good for your immune system, so getting enough rest can help you stay healthy or recover more quickly if you do get sick.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and other non-alcoholic beverages. Dehydration can worsen symptoms if you’re sick, so drink up.
• Stay clean: Wash your hands thoroughly and often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer if you can’t get to a sink right away. Also clean and disinfect surfaces at home, school or work, especially if these spaces are shared with someone who may have the flu.
• Have tissues handy: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Take a day off: Stay home from work or school if you’re sick. This will reduce the likelihood you spread the virus to another person.
• Be fever-free for 24 hours: If you’ve been sick, stay home until fever-free for at least 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication), according to the Florida Department of Health.

Getting the flu is no joke, so follow these tips to reduce your risk. But most importantly, get a flu shot if you haven’t already done so.