October is the time to get ready for cold and flu season. The CDC recommends a flu vaccine every season for everyone 6 months and older, with rare exceptions, and says that ideally everyone should be vaccinated by the end of October.
Your fall checklist
- Get your flu shot, and ask whether other vaccines are due for your age and health
- Wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds, or use a sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow
- Stay home when you are sick to protect coworkers, classmates and older relatives
- Keep a few basics at home, such as a thermometer, fluids and a fever reducer you know is safe for you
- Know how to reach us for a telehealth visit if you get sick
Cold or flu?
Colds usually come on gradually with a runny nose and sore throat. Flu tends to hit fast, with fever or chills, cough, body aches, headache and exhaustion, though not everyone with flu has a fever. Because flu and COVID-19 look alike, a test can tell them apart.
Call early if you are higher risk
Antiviral treatment for flu works best when started soon after symptoms begin. If you are 65 or older, pregnant, or live with a condition such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease or a weakened immune system, call as soon as symptoms start rather than waiting to see if you get worse.
Ready to Get Started?
Primary care, mental health, and addiction medicine in one practice. New patients are often able to be scheduled within a week of requesting an appointment.
Get care right away for
- Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
- Ongoing pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Lasting dizziness, confusion or trouble staying awake
- Seizures, not urinating, or severe weakness or muscle pain
- A fever or cough that improves and then returns or worsens
- A chronic condition that is getting worse
For emergencies, call 911.
Care from Hope Integrative Medicine
If you get sick, a same-week telehealth visit can help you decide on testing and treatment; read more about how soon flu and COVID treatment should start. We see adults in person at our West Ashley office and by telehealth across South Carolina, with primary care and mental health care in one practice. New patients are often able to be scheduled within a week of requesting an appointment. Request an appointment.
Sources: CDC, Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine; CDC, Signs and Symptoms of Flu; CDC, About Handwashing; CDC, About Hand Sanitizer.
This article is general health information and does not replace advice from your own provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
September and October are generally good times. The CDC says that ideally everyone should be vaccinated by the end of October, though getting vaccinated later in the season still helps.
The CDC recommends a flu vaccine every season for everyone 6 months and older, with rare exceptions.
Call early if you are 65 or older, pregnant or have a chronic condition. Get care right away for trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion or symptoms that improve and then worsen.