Flu Season: How to Prepare This Fall

Flu Season: How to Prepare This Fall

Fall brings cooler mornings, school activities, and more time together indoors. It is also a good time to prepare for flu season. A little planning can help protect your family and make it easier to respond if someone becomes sick.

Plan your annual flu vaccine

The CDC recommends a flu vaccine every year for almost everyone age 6 months and older, with rare exceptions. September and October are generally good times to get vaccinated. If you miss that window, vaccination can still help while flu viruses are circulating.

Protection takes about two weeks to develop. Some children need two doses at least four weeks apart, so parents should check their child’s vaccination schedule with a healthcare professional.

Make prevention part of your routine

Wash your hands regularly, cover coughs and sneezes, and improve indoor air circulation when practical. Stay home when you are sick and limit close contact with others. These habits work alongside vaccination to help reduce the spread of respiratory viruses.

Keep high-touch surfaces clean and consider wearing a mask if you’re at higher risk or around vulnerable people during peak flu season.

Act early when symptoms begin

Flu can cause chills, coughing, body aches, and unusual tiredness. Not everyone develops a fever. Contact your healthcare provider promptly if you suspect flu, particularly if you are pregnant, age 65 or older, have a chronic condition, or are caring for a young child.

Prescription antiviral medicines work best when started within two days of symptoms, although treatment may still help later for people at higher risk or with serious illness. Antibiotics do not treat the flu virus. Seek immediate medical care for trouble breathing or persistent chest pain.

Get guidance from Daily Care Pharmacy

Before choosing a cold or flu product, speak with the Daily Care Pharmacy pharmacist. Bring your medication list so we can help you understand your options and check for potential interactions.

Source: CDC.gov