7 things to do if you catch the flu

Catching the flu is as easy as counting 1-2-3. It’s how it stays relevant in the modern age.

Influenza, or the flu, and its related hospitalization and death rates have stayed consistent over the past five years. In 2024, CDC data showed the flu season began in October and continued through May. The CDC plans to release updated information for the 2025 season later this year. 

The flu can affect everyone differently. For some people, it causes a sore throat and runny nose. For others, an achy body and headache. When you start to feel like you’re coming down with the bug, here are some easy things you can do to nip it in the bud:

1. Take your temperature

Got a thermometer laying around? If you start feeling any flu-like symptoms, the fastest way to confirm is by taking your temperature. Viral infections, like the flu, causes rising body temperatures. There are a few theories as to why that is, but in general it’s a natural bodily defense to denote the presence of a virus in the system.

A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher is a sure sign that you may have the flu.

Taking your temperature is not a one and done. You will want to take your temperature throughout the day to make sure it’s not increasing. A rising fever could point to a different problem and would require immediate medical assistance.

2. Review your symptoms

“As a rule of thumb, if you're otherwise normally a healthy person, but you're experiencing a fever or chills that respond to Tylenol, cough, sore throat, or body aches, most people can safely watch at home for two to three days and treat it with over-the-counter relief,” said Zachary Shipp, MD, at SIU Medicine Family Medicine in Decatur.

You’ve taken your temperature and confirmed a fever. The next step is to take inventory of any other symptoms you may be presenting with. As directed by Dr. Shipp, be on the lookout for serve symptoms associated with the flu:

• High fever (over 103°F) or fever that does not respond to Tylenol
• Chest pain or worsening shortness of breath
• Weakness, confusion, lethargy
• Severe nausea or diarrhea with signs of dehydration

If you have one or more of these symptoms, you should immediately visit your doctor.

3. Call your primary care provider or visit Express Care

Your family doctor is equipped with a wealth of knowledge on how you can best care for yourself when you have the flu. They may recommend resting at home and staying hydrated. Or they may ask you to make an appointment so they can confirm you have the flu and prescribe anti-viral medication.

If you don’t have a primary care doctor, clinics like an Express Care can also support your recovery.

Patients who have chronic conditions like diabetes or are immunocompromised are highly urged to get in as soon as possible. Your chances of having complications from the flu increases tenfold and can lead to permanent damage.

4. Stay rested, stay hydrated

You’ve confirmed that you have the flu and you've visited your doctor. Now it’s time to recover.

“The acute phase of influenza with the most severe symptoms can last up to a week, with another week with lingering symptoms,” said Dr. Shipp.

First, if your doctor prescribed any medications, make sure to take those at the required times. Setting a reminder on your phone can help remember when to take them.

Next, stay in bed—your body does its best work when you’re resting. When your brain isn’t focused on your day-to-day activities but instead is at rest, it can focus its energy toward other activities, like fighting off a virus. Plus, it’s not like you were feeling all that great anyway, with the stuffy nose and sore body.

Then, make sure to get plenty of fluids, specifically water. While a fever may be a good defense for your body, it’s also taxing. Studies show that you could lose 25% of stored water reserves while you have a fever. For bodies made up of 60% water, that’s a lot of fluid to lose and not recover. 

Finally, keep track of your recovery. If you’re doing everything you can to get better and still feel like nothing has changed, then you should go to a doctor immediately. You’re still sick and now you don’t know with what.

5. Stay protected

You’ve recovered from the flu, but you’re not done.

You need a flu shot every year because of how quickly the influenza virus can mutate to combat last year’s vaccination. 

“The dominant influenza strains change from year to year, and we try to change which flu strains are in the annual vaccine to best defend against that year’s strain.” Dr. Shipp said. “I would encourage even young and healthy people at low risk for severe symptoms or complications from flu to still get the flu shot to help provide herd immunity and protect our most vulnerable people.”

That’s the nature of a virus: it learns and grows, continually evolving to be deadlier each year.

Getting your yearly flu vaccinations reduces your chances of suffering major complications if you do contract the virus. These vaccinations help protect you from death.

The more you can do to help reduce the spread of the virus, the better your chances of not getting sick.

“It’s important to get the vaccine when it becomes available and stay diligent about washing your hands, especially before eating,” said Dr. Shipp. “Be sure to cover your cough or sneeze, and stay home from work to reduce the virus’ spread.”

At SIU Medicine, our primary care and family medicine doctors are committed to providing the highest quality care and ensuring optimal outcomes for our patients. If you have symptoms of the flu or concerns about the influenza virus, contact our team today at 217-545-8000.