Flu Season Arrives Early: How to Protect Yourself, Others

With the flu spreading earlier than usual this year, UVA Health infectious disease experts are recommending the flu vaccine along with some precautions to keep yourself and the community safe.

“We’re seeing flu activity earlier than we typically would, and we want to get ahead of it,” said Costi Sifri, MD, hospital epidemiologist for UVA Health University Medical Center. “The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is to get a flu vaccine.” 

The flu vaccine lowers your chance of getting sick. If you do get sick, it also makes you less likely to become seriously ill or need to go to the hospital. Anyone 6 months and older should get a flu shot every year with rare exceptions. It is especially important for:

• adults 65 and older
• young children
• people who are pregnant; and
• people with long-term health conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease

Community members can get vaccinated at their next primary care visit or at a local pharmacy or grocery store.

Other ways to stay healthy

• Wash your hands often.
• Stay home if you feel sick.
• Consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor places.
• Call your healthcare team if you have flu symptoms and are at higher risk, or if your symptoms get worse.

“Every action you take helps protect the people around you, including your family, your neighbors and those most at risk,” Sifri said.