Coughs, sneezes, achy pains and spreading diseases — it’s time to fight the flu.

Flu season ramps up in the Triangle beginning in October, typically increasing to widespread status in December with a continued contagious climb throughout the winter and early spring.

Nationally, the CDC estimates that during the last three seasons before the pandemic, the proportion of respiratory specimens testing positive for influenza peaked between 26.2% and 30.3%.

That’s a lot of sick people. However, there is much you can do to avoid contracting the flu, and it starts with getting your flu shot.

Why the Flu Shot

Flu Shot Facts

• The flu shot is recommended for anyone six months and older, and all persons six months and older receive the same dosage. The nasal spray vaccine, popular among pediatric patients, will not be administered this year.
• Some people may have contraindications if they are allergic to any of the ingredients, mainly a small amount of egg protein. There are also flu shots that are egg free.
• It is most effective when dosed in early fall, as flu season is generally October to March.
• It is administered at primary care offices, such as MyCare 365, and pharmacies.
• Since it is inactivated, immunocompromised individuals can receive it.
• The flu shot is safe and effective for individuals without a history of anaphylaxis to the vaccine. Yet, those with history of a severe, life-threatening allergy to the flu shot or any ingredient (including gelatin or antibiotics) should refrain from getting their flu shot.

Why You Should Get Immunized

Flu shots are developed annually to match the most likely strains for that year.

Effectiveness may vary, but receiving the flu shot may reduce your likelihood of contracting flu. And if you contract flu despite immunization, symptoms are often milder.

If the majority of people in a community get the flu shot, we can achieve herd immunity. This means even those who are not immunized may be protected against the flu.

While the flu shot is always recommended by public health experts, the push is especially strong this year, as the shot can prevent coinfection with flu and COVID-19, reducing strain on health care systems.

How to Prevent the Flu

Prevent the flu or reduce your chances of contracting the flu by doing the following:

• Avoid people who are sick.
• Eat nutritious food.
• Get the annual flu shot.
• Keep your hands off of your face.
• If you’re sick with the flu, stay home!
• Practice good hand and respiratory hygiene.
• Prioritize quality sleep.
• Sanitize the surfaces in your home.

Symptoms of the Flu

Typical symptoms of the flu differ from the common cold in that flu comes on quickly and is often accompanied by fever and headache.

Here is a comprehensive list of the most common flu symptoms:

• Body aches
• Chills
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Headache
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat

Occasionally, flu symptoms will become severe, and emergency treatment may be required. Take note of the following warning signs to look for in both children and adults.

Emergency Warning Signs in Children

In children, emergency warning signs will need urgent medical attention:

• Bluish or gray skin color
• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• Irritability that prevents the child from wanting to be held
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Severe or persistent vomiting

Emergency Warning Signs in Adults

In adults, emergency warning signs will need urgent medical attention as well:

• Confusion
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Sudden dizziness

If you think you (or your child) might have the flu, prompt action is your best bet.

Flu Treatments

Most often, the flu can be treated at home and will wane on its own. Here’s our top tips for managing the flu this year.

#1 — Treat Yourself.

If you are symptomatic for flu, treat yourself. You could still have the flu, even if a rapid test result is negative. The rapid test, which is often done in urgent cares, pharmacy clinics and physician offices, is only about 50-70% accurate when they give a negative result. If you have the symptoms, always treat yourself as if you have the flu. Stay rested, hydrated and home.

Anti-viral medications are only effective if administered within the first 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.

#2 — Follow the Orders of Your Medical Provider.

If your provider recommends antiviral medication, get your prescription filled and take it right away. Otherwise, your provider will likely tell you to get lots of rest and drink plenty of fluids.

Your provider may also recommend over-the-counter medications for fever and cough — be sure to take them according to your provider’s orders and make sure not to take more than recommended. This is particularly important when taking medications such as NyQuil or other blends — many people don’t realize that NyQuil contains acetaminophen (Tylenol), which may lead to an unintentional overdose.

#3 — Watch for Warning Signs.

The flu is serious business. Not only can the flu cause serious health complications and even death, it can also cause or aggravate other underlying conditions.

Schedule Your Flu Shot with MyCare 365

You can schedule your flu shot with your primary care provider or a local pharmacy. WakeMed MyCare 365 primary care providers offer flu shots by appointment for patients nine and older. Schedule an appointment through your MyChart portal or call any of our locations.

Flu Treatment — Where to Go

• Primary Care — If you need flu testing or treatment during normal business hours, check with your primary care doctor first. This is especially true for the very young, those 65+, pregnant women, people with a BMI >40 and people with an underlying chronic health condition, such as asthma or COPD. If you are a higher risk individual, it is a good idea to visit a primary care provider if you think you have the flu. Primary care is typically the least expensive treatment option, and it’s best to work with a physician who knows you, your medical history and medications.
• Urgent Care — Urgent Care locations offer extended hours, most of the time until 8 pm and offer flu testing and treatment. This is a good option if you’re unable to get a doctor’s appointment with your primary care physician or if it’s after regular business hours and your doctor’s office is closed.
• Emergency Department — Emergency Departments are open 24 hours a day, every day. If your condition is life-threatening or no other level of care is open, visit your nearest location.
• Virtual Urgent Care — Available via our mobile app, virtual care options are available 24/7 from anywhere in North Carolina. While you can’t get tested for the flu virtually, physicians can evaluate you, offer guidance, and write prescriptions for nasty symptoms such as cough.

WakeMed offers several options for care if you start to feel under the weather this winter. When the unexpected strikes, WakeMed is here to help with exceptional, compassionate care at one of our 7 emergency rooms, 8 Urgent Care locations and Virtual Urgent Care.