With so much attention on the COVID-19 Delta variant and the recent rise in hospitalizations, it’s easy to forget about influenza (the flu), despite the fact that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says it leads to between 140,000 and 810,000 hospitalizations in the typical year.
Given those numbers, physicians like Carmen Teague, MD, specialty medical director of internal medicine for Atrium Health’s Medical Group Division are concerned about this year’s flu season. “In my 20 years of practicing medicine, last year was the first one where we didn’t see much flu activity,” she says, attributing that anomaly to stay-at-home orders, social distancing and mask mandates. With today’s more relaxed COVID measures, she believes we’ll see a true flu season this year.
Fortunately, there are several things you can do to keep yourself from getting sick or even being hospitalized because of the flu.
Help Prevent the Spread of Flu
Flu typically starts showing up in November and continues to spread through February or March. Dr. Teague says flu cases tend to peak after the winter holidays when people have traveled and gathered with lots of others outside of their households. “I don’t think COVID-19 will be gone by then,” she warns. “The impact of two different respiratory viruses circulating at the same time will put a significant strain on healthcare workers and facilities.” It can also devastate businesses and schools struggling with absent staff, patrons and students.
Over the course of the pandemic, we’ve all become acutely aware of healthy hygiene practices that help prevent the spread of COVID-19. These practices can also help prevent the spread of the flu:
- Stay home if you’re sick
- Steer clear of others when they’re sick
- Frequently wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds
- Don’t touch your face or rub your eyes
- Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze
- Don’t share food or beverages with others and cover them when in public
- Wipe down frequently used surfaces with anti-bacterial wipes
Following COVID-19 mask mandates can also help prevent the spread of the flu. Even if a mandate doesn’t exist, wearing a mask in public provides an extra layer of protection that can be especially beneficial for people over 65 or those with underlying medical conditions who can be particularly vulnerable to complications from the flu.
Power Up Your Immune System
Dr. Teague stresses that staying healthy is the most important thing you can do to strengthen your immune system, which is what your body relies on to fight the flu once you have it. These habits help boost your immune system:
- Maintaining a healthy diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables
- Avoiding processed foods and sugary drinks
- Staying hydrated by drinking lots of water
- Getting enough sleep every night
- Trying to exercise for 40 minutes four times a week, even if it’s just taking a moderate or brisk walk
- Engaging in activities that lower your stress level
Get the Flu Vaccine
According to the CDC, anywhere from 9.3 to 45 million people get the flu each year. Getting a flu vaccine can help prevent you from being one them, which typically means missing vital time away from work or school and feeling downright miserable. Even if you still get the flu, the protection from the vaccine helps significantly limit its severity.
It takes 10 to 14 days for your body to develop a response to the flu vaccine, which is why the CDC recommends getting your shot before the end of October so that you have protection throughout the entire flu season. Dr. Teague agrees with that recommendation and indicates that the 2021-22 flu vaccine is already available at Atrium Health facilities, including her practice at Mecklenburg Medical Group - Uptown.
And if you haven’t gotten your COVID-19 vaccine yet? The CDC now says it’s okay to get it at the same time as you get your flu shot.
Visit MyAtriumHealth or if you are not a patient call 704-469-0102 to find the most convenient location to get your flu vaccine.
For flu care options, schedule an appointment here.
