Flu Prevention and Care During Peak Flu Season

10/23/2026

What to Do If You Get the Flu

“It’s just the flu,” you might say when experiencing a quick onset of cough, sore throat, fatigue, and telltale fever and body aches – but, if you’re at increased risk for complications like pneumonia or dehydration, there’s no “just” about it.

“Most people will recover from the flu within two weeks with fluids, nourishing foods, rest, and over-the-counter pain relievers, but I encourage people 65 and older, patients with medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, obesity, a history of stroke, or lung problems to see a healthcare provider,” says Navaneeth Ganapathiyadan, M.D., a physician at Northwest Primary Care at Vail. “In particular, older adults account for the vast majority of flu-related hospitalizations and deaths.”

Flu is one of many respiratory illnesses, but it is quite different from a cold or COVID-19. According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, there have been 795 seasonal flu cases in our state so far.

So, how to stop the flu before it starts? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend:

• Get vaccinated. Everyone age six months and older should be vaccinated against the flu.
• Wash, avoid, repeat. Washing your hands is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of illness. Avoid unnecessary contact with sick people, and cover your mouth and nose with a tissue whenever you cough or sneeze.
• Clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces. Taking a few moments to do this can save you days, or even weeks, of illness.
• Take care of yourself. Get enough sleep and exercise, manage stress, drink plenty of fluids, and maintain a healthy diet.
• Take antivirals if needed. If you have a condition that puts you at high risk for complications, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medication – which can mean the difference between a mild illness and a hospital stay.

“If your flu symptoms don’t improve after a few days, or if you’re at higher risk for complications, call your primary care provider,” says Dr. Ganapathiyadan. “He or she can assess your symptoms and figure out the best path to recovery.”

For more information about our Family Medicine and Internal Medicine teams, or to request an appointment, visit https://www.nwalliedphysicians.com/family-medicine-care and https://www.nwalliedphysicians.com/internal-medicine-care.

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