Preparing for Flu Season: 7 Things You Need to Know

It’s a crisp autumn morning, and you’re finally getting to enjoy that first sip of a warm latte. The leaves are turning, the air smells fresh, and everything feels just right until someone nearby lets out a deep, chesty cough. Flu season has arrived. Like an uninvited guest, it sneaks in just as holiday plans start coming together, threatening to turn cozy moments into days spent under a pile of tissues.

In Oklahoma, flu cases tend to rise between October and May, with the peak hitting hardest in winter. Places like Baptist Hospital, Oklahoma City, often see an influx of patients during this time, many of whom could have avoided severe illness with a few simple precautions. Here are seven things you need to know this season to help you stay healthy and keep the flu at bay.

1. Get Vaccinated

The flu shot is your best defense against the virus. It reduces your chances of getting sick and if you do catch the flu, it can make symptoms less severe. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone over six months old get vaccinated.

It’s best to get your shot by the end of October, but if you haven’t yet, it’s not too late. The flu season lasts for months, and protection is better late than never.

2. Wash Your Hands (A Lot!)

Flu germs spread fast, and your hands touch everything — door handles, grocery carts, your face (probably more times than you realize). Washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds can remove germs before they make you sick.

If soap isn’t available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer works in a pinch. The key is to make it a habit, especially before eating, after being in public, and after sneezing or coughing.

3. Boost Your Immune System

A strong immune system gives you the upper hand in fighting off infections. The best way to keep it in top shape is by getting plenty of sleep, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, staying hydrated, and exercising regularly.

Stress can weaken your defenses, so take time to relax, whether it’s through deep breathing, reading, or just getting outside for some fresh air.

4. Keep Your Space Clean

Flu germs don’t just spread from person to person — they can linger on surfaces for hours. Wipe down frequently touched areas like doorknobs, phones, and countertops with disinfectant. At home, consider swapping out hand towels more often, especially in shared spaces. A little extra effort can go a long way in keeping your environment flu-free.

5. Know the Symptoms

Not every cough or sniffle means you have the flu, but knowing the symptoms can help you take action sooner. Common flu symptoms include fever, chills, body aches, fatigue, cough, sore throat, and congestion.

Unlike a cold, the flu often comes on suddenly and can hit hard. If you start feeling sick, rest up, drink fluids, and avoid spreading germs to others.

6. Stay Home If You’re Sick

Nobody likes missing work or canceling plans, but pushing through an illness can make things worse for you and everyone around you. If you have a fever or flu symptoms, the CDC advises staying home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone (without medicine). This helps prevent spreading the virus to coworkers, classmates, or anyone else you come into contact with.

7. Talk to a Doctor If Needed

Some people are more vulnerable to flu complications, including young children, older adults, and those with chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes.

Talk to your doctor about extra precautions if you’re at higher risk. If you do get sick, antiviral medications may help lessen symptoms and speed up recovery — but they work best when taken early.

Flu Season Doesn’t Stand a Chance

Now that you know how to prepare for flu season, you can focus on enjoying the cooler months without worrying about getting stuck in bed with a fever. Taking simple steps — like getting vaccinated, washing your hands, and boosting your immune system — can make a big difference in keeping you and your loved ones healthy.

So, stock up on tissues (just in case), stay proactive, and let’s keep this flu season as stress-free as possible!