The flu can be caught anytime throughout the year, but fall and winter are the prime seasons for spreading the flu. During this 2020-2021 flu season, it’s even more important for people to be prepared for the flu and take extra precautions to keep themselves and their families safe. Since flu symptoms and coronavirus symptoms are similar, it might be harder to determine what a person is dealing with this year.
Doctors have always recommended the flu vaccine for children older than 6 months old. Why? Read our 2018-2019 flu season blog here to find out more.
What Are Signs and Symptoms of the Flu?
Not everyone with the flu gets all of the symptoms, but most people experience some of the following::
- Fever
- Chills
- Headaches
- Cough
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Body and muscle aches
- Sore throat
- Fatigue and weakness
- Vomiting and diarrhea
What Can Be Done to Prepare for the 2020-2021 Flu Season?
The first step to preparing for the flu season is to get a flu shot. The shot is not a guarantee that a person will not get the flu at all, but it does reduce the chances and limits the severity of the illness. The CDC and others in the medical community believe that early fall is the best time to get your flu shot. Other steps that can be taken to prepare for the flu season are:
- Get plenty of sleep
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
- Get regular exercise
- Wash your hands regularly
- Sanitize door knobs, remote controls, phones, etc. regularly
- Stock the pantry with plenty of food and drinks (hot tea and ginger ale works wonders)
- Stock the medicine cabinet with over-the-counter cold and flu medications
- Use paper products if someone in your household has the flu to avoid spreading germs
- If you have young children, be sure to have games and puzzles to keep them busy if they or you get sick
Just to rehash, getting a yearly flu shot is one of the best ways to prepare for the flu season, but unfortunately it is not 100% effective at preventing the flu. Some symptoms of the flu and coronavirus are similar, so if you or a family member show any of the above symptoms, contact your doctor or go to your local ER for any questions.
Emergency Room in Tyler for COVID-19 and Flu
Are you looking for an emergency room near Tyler, Texas that is prepared to assess COVID-19 symptoms or treat the flu? Hospitality Health ER in Tyler is open 24/7, 365 days a week with top-rated doctors and quarantine tents for COVID-19 patients. Simply walk in to our Tyler location here.
