Each year, flu season brings with it a wave of illness that can range from inconvenient to life-threatening. At Kyle ER & Hospital, we are dedicated to keeping our community safe and informed. In this article, we’ll cover how to prevent the seasonal flu, how to manage symptoms at home, and when it’s crucial to seek emergency care.
Understanding Flu Season
Flu season in Texas typically starts in October and can last until May, peaking between December and February. The flu is caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, or contact with contaminated surfaces.
While many people recover within a few days to less than two weeks, others, especially young children, elderly adults, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions, are at risk for serious complications.
Prevention: The Best Line of Defense
1. Get Your Flu Shot
The single most effective way to prevent the flu is by getting an annual flu vaccine. It’s recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Each year’s vaccine is updated to match the most common strains expected during that season.
You can get your flu shot at your primary care provider’s office, local pharmacy, or health clinic. Many locations offer walk-in appointments or flu shot clinics for added convenience.
2. Practice Good Hygiene
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
- Use hand sanitizer when soap isn’t available.
- Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Cover your mouth with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing.
- Disinfect commonly touched surfaces like doorknobs, phones, and countertops.
3. Stay Home if You’re Sick
If you feel flu symptoms coming on, such as fever, chills, body aches, or fatigue, stay home to prevent spreading the virus to others.
Treating the Flu at Home
Most flu cases can be managed at home with rest and supportive care:
- Rest and allow your body to heal.
- Hydrate with water, broth, and electrolyte drinks.
- Use over-the-counter medications to reduce fever, aches, and congestion.
- Antiviral medications (like Tamiflu) may be prescribed by a doctor within the first 48 hours of symptoms to shorten the illness.
If your symptoms remain mild and manageable, staying home and treating the flu conservatively is typically sufficient.
When to Visit the ER
Flu complications can develop quickly and may become dangerous. Visit Kyle ER & Hospital immediately if you or a loved one experiences:
For Adults:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain or pressure
- Sudden dizziness or confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Symptoms that improve but return with worse fever or cough
For Children:
- Fast or troubled breathing
- Bluish lips or face
- Not waking up or interacting
- High fever (especially in infants)
- Refusal to eat or drink
- Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, no tears, few wet diapers)
At Kyle ER & Hospital, we’re open 24/7 with little-to-no wait times, offering rapid flu testing, IV hydration, chest X-rays, and advanced care for severe flu complications. Our board-certified emergency physicians are here to provide fast, compassionate treatment when you need it most.
Stay Healthy This Flu Season
Prevention starts with awareness. By getting your flu shot, practicing good hygiene, and knowing when to seek medical attention, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from serious illness.
If you or a family member is showing severe flu symptoms, don’t wait, Kyle ER & Hospital is here to help around the clock with state-of-the-art emergency care.
