As the holiday season approaches, so does the peak of flu activity, which historically occurs in February, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. With the potential for severe illness and complications, medical professionals urge the public to take proactive steps to safeguard their health.
Dr. Matthew Heller, an associate professor of family medicine at New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, stresses the importance of getting an annual flu shot for everyone over six months of age. "Always talk to your physician about potential exceptions and find out whether the flu vaccine is appropriate for you," he advises. The vaccine stimulates the body to produce antibodies that protect against the influenza virus, and even in seasons where the vaccine is less effective due to viral mutations, it significantly reduces the risk of hospitalizations, deaths, and outpatient visits across all age groups. Importantly, the vaccine cannot cause the flu itself.
Timing is crucial: it takes about two weeks for the body to build full protection after vaccination, so early vaccination is recommended. Flu symptoms, which include fever, chills, body aches, cough, headache, and fatigue, typically appear a few days after exposure, and individuals can be contagious during that period. Symptoms may last about a week.
While most healthy individuals can recover at home with rest and fluids, those in high-risk groups—such as adults 65 and older, young children, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions—should contact a physician if they suspect they have the flu. Beyond vaccination, preventive measures include frequent hand washing, using hand sanitizer, sanitizing high-touch surfaces, avoiding touching the face, steering clear of large crowds, and sneezing into a tissue or elbow.
Dr. Heller underscores the broader impact of individual actions: "The flu spreads easily from person to person. Remember that getting the flu vaccine will not only protect you but will also protect all those around you. By setting the example, others will follow." His expertise is part of a broader effort at New York Institute of Technology to address real-world health challenges. For more information, visit nyit.edu.
