Primary care matters during flu season

The flu can be a serious illness, especially for certain groups, affecting children 5 years or younger and adults 65 years or older more severely. While most people recover within a week or two, preventive measures and timely care are essential.

What is the flu?

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Unlike the common cold, the flu tends to come on suddenly with symptoms such as:

• Fever and chills
• Cough and sore throat
• Body aches and fatigue
• Headaches
• Runny or stuffy nose

Dr. Veena Wang, family medicine physician at Baylor Medicine, explains how to differentiate between the cold and the flu.

“The common cold that we think of actually encompasses several viruses that all cause the same constellation of symptoms usually in the upper respiratory region – think runny and / or stuffy nose, sore throat and cough. The flu is caused specifically by influenza A or B viruses. The flu virus tends to have more systemic effects where the whole body can have symptoms.”

Primary care helps protect you

Flu season typically starts in October, peaking between December and February and can spread easily, impacting entire households, schools and workplaces quickly. Getting ahead of flu season is important not only to avoid illness, but also to reduce the spread.

Your primary care provider is your first line of defense against the flu. Here’s how they can help:

• Flu vaccinations: The flu shot is the best way to lower your risk of infection and serious complications. Annual vaccination is recommended for nearly everyone ages 6 months and older. The vaccines are available at your PCP’s clinic and pharmacies starting in September.
• Preventive guidance: Your provider can share personalized strategies to strengthen your immune system.
• Care when you need it: If you do get sick, your primary care doctor can evaluate your symptoms and provide treatments.
• Managing chronic conditions: For patients with ongoing health concerns, your provider ensures those conditions are well managed, possibly reducing the risk of flu-related complications.

“Receiving the flu vaccine is highly recommended. While its primary purpose is to help prevent influenza, it’s important to note that vaccination does not guarantee complete immunity; it is still possible to get the flu even if you have been vaccinated. However, if you do contract the flu after being vaccinated, the illness is generally milder and shorter in duration than it would be without the vaccine,” Wang said.

If you suspect you may have the flu, consult your primary care provider promptly. Antiviral medications are available that can lessen the severity and shorten the course of the illness, but they are most effective when started within 72 hours of the onset of symptoms.

In addition to getting vaccinated, supporting your immune system through healthy habits is key. Regular exercise, adequate sleep and staying well-hydrated all play a vital role in helping your body resist infections and recover more quickly from illnesses like the cold or flu.

To schedule an appointment with a primary care physician, visit the Baylor Medicine Family Medicine website.

By Vanessa Colchado