Flu season is officially here, and while many of us may do all we can to prevent getting the sniffles, sometimes even the best handwashing techniques can’t hold off this seasonal sickness. The good news is that there are a few simple things you can do this week to help prepare yourself to fight back against the flu.

1. Get Your Flu Shot

One of the easiest (and the best) things you can do to fight back against the flu is to get vaccinated. According to the CDC, it’s recommended for everyone aged six months and up to get a flu shot every year.

The flu shot is updated annually to match the most common strain of the season, which means you stand a 40% to 60% chance of not getting sick when you get vaccinated. If you do still happen to get sick, the vaccine can still help mitigate the symptoms, so you’re not down for the count like you would be if you were unvaccinated. To schedule your annual flu shot, make an appointment with your primary care services or visit your local pharmacy.

2. Mask Up

If you noticed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic that you weren’t getting sick as often, there’s a good reason for that. As your primary care services will tell you, covering your nose and mouth with a mask not only helps to protect you against COVID-19 but also helps to protect you against other viruses spread by coughing and sneezing like the common cold and the flu. Consider wearing a face mask when you go to the grocery store, the mall, or other public places to help reduce your risk of contracting the flu or passing it on to someone else.

3. Stock Up Your Medicine Cabinet

In the event that you do get sick with the flu, you want to make sure that you’re prepared. Fever reducers like Tylenol and mucus-loosening medications like Mucinex are ideal to have on hand. You also want to make sure that you have tissues and lozenges available for when you need them.

4. Keep Hand Sanitizer at the Ready

In between the times when you wash your hands, you’ll be touching many surfaces, such as doorknobs, countertops, keypads, credit cards, grocery cart handles, crosswalk buttons, and more. Hand sanitizer doesn’t replace washing your hands, but it does come in handy when you’re out and about. When you’re stocking up your medicine cabinet this week, consider stocking up on your hand sanitizer, too.

Whether you’re looking for a walk-in urgent care center or primary care services, our team at Care Station Medical Group is there for you. For more information about how to fight back against the flu or to learn more about getting a flu shot with us, don’t hesitate to contact us today.