Flu Season Preparedness: Expert Advice on Vaccination and Prevention

With the holiday season on the horizon, Texans are gearing up for celebrations, but also for an unwelcome guest: the flu. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, February historically marks the peak of flu activity, making now the time to take preventive action. Dr. Matthew Heller, an associate professor of family medicine at New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, stresses that getting a flu shot is the most effective way to reduce the risk of contracting the illness.

“The flu spreads easily from person to person,” says Heller. “Getting the flu vaccine not only protects you but also those around you.” He recommends that everyone over the age of six months receive the annual vaccine, though he advises consulting a physician about individual exceptions. The vaccine works by stimulating the body to develop antibodies that fight the virus. Even in seasons when the vaccine is less effective due to viral mutations, it still reduces the severity of symptoms, prevents hospitalizations, and lowers the risk of flu-related doctor visits across all age groups. Importantly, Heller clarifies that the vaccine cannot cause the flu, as it is made from inactivated viruses.

Timing matters: it takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body to build full protection. Therefore, getting vaccinated early in the season is crucial. Flu symptoms include fever, chills, body aches, cough, headache, and fatigue, typically appearing a few days after exposure. Individuals become contagious before symptoms emerge and can spread the virus for about a week. While most people can recover at home with rest and fluids, high-risk groups—adults 65 and older, young children, pregnant women, and those with chronic conditions—should contact a physician if they suspect the flu.

Beyond vaccination, Heller emphasizes simple preventive measures: frequent hand washing, using hand sanitizer, cleaning high-traffic surfaces, avoiding touching the face, steering clear of large crowds, and sneezing into a tissue or elbow. “By setting the example, others will follow,” he adds, underscoring the communal responsibility in curbing flu spread.

As Texas businesses and families prepare for the season, the economic impact of widespread flu illness cannot be overstated. Reduced workforce productivity, increased healthcare costs, and strain on medical facilities are all consequences of a severe flu season. By promoting vaccination and hygiene practices, employers and community leaders can help mitigate these effects. Dr. Heller is one of many experts from New York Institute of Technology contributing to public health efforts. To learn more about their initiatives, visit nyit.edu.