News at UI Health

This year’s flu season has accounted for at least 81,000 hospitalizations nationwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And with Chicago’s caseload hitting a three-year high last week, UI Health infectious disease expert Dr. Scott Borgetti shared how he’s keeping himself and his patients protected.

Q: What's important to know this flu season?

A: First off, every patient should know that it is flu season, which usually runs from late fall though early spring.

But beyond that, you should also know the flu is somewhat worse this year than in recent years. The virus itself is different from year to year, and this year's variant is slightly more contagious and has the potential to be a little more severe than what has been circulating the past few winters.

We deal with the flu every year so it can be an easy issue to ignore, but the flu remains a dangerous infection and this year especially we should work together to keep our communities safe.

Q: What doesn't keep me protected from the flu?

A: I always tell patients not to put too much trust in those vitamin C packets that market themselves as “immune-boosting.” They can help you get all your vitamins, but they most likely won’t prevent you from getting an infection without other preventative measures.

But it’s still important to get your recommended vitamins and minerals, and the healthier you are, in general, the better you’re likely to do with the flu.

Q: What can I do to protect myself from the flu?

A: The best thing you can do to protect yourself is stick to the time-tested infection prevention methods: wash your hands, stay home when you are sick, and get the flu shot.

The flu vaccine is not going to give you 100% protection, but it's the best tool we have to keep people safe. The flu vaccine is very effective at reducing the risk of severe infection that may require hospitalization. Kids can also start getting the flu shot at six months old, so talk to your pediatrician about what's right for your family.

Lastly, if you are someone with a pre-existing condition, it may also be worth wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces, like busses, trains, or airports. Another place where it's a good idea to mask is in healthcare settings, where there are a lot of people who may have a respiratory illness themselves and many others who are receiving care for something that would make them more likely to get seriously ill from this strain of the flu.

Q: If I am sick, should I just wait it out?

A: Definitely not. The first thing to do when you start feeling sick is take an over-the-counter flu test, which are available at most national pharmacies. If you test positive, but your symptoms are mild, it's best to make a primary or urgent care appointment.

However, if you start feeling like your health is in serious danger — regardless of if you’ve tested positive or negative — it's a good idea to go to the emergency room. This can include symptoms like having trouble breathing or being unable to get up under your own power.

Once you’re at that primary or urgent care appointment, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor about antivirals, like Tamiflu. They’re great at reducing symptoms and recovery time, but they often need to be taken within 48 hours of symptoms, so if you're older or have other health conditions, it's important to contact your doctor right away.

If you have questions about cold and flu season or want to make a primary care appointment, call 866.600.CARE (2273). The Mile Square Health Center Urgent Care at UI Health does not require an appointment. Learn more at MileSquare.UIHealth.Care.