How to Reduce Your Risk During This Severe Flu Season

Across the country, respiratory illness levels are higher than typically seen this time of year, with millions already sick and hospitalizations climbing rapidly. Below, we unpack the latest numbers and share physician-backed guidance on preventing infection and caring for yourself or a loved one if symptoms begin.

Emergency departments in many states are reporting flu cases near or above last season’s peak, and some hospital systems have reinstated masking requirements to protect vulnerable patients and staff.

Health experts point to several factors driving the surge, including the dominance of an Influenza A (H3N2) strain and modest vaccination rates. While flu vaccines still help reduce severe illness and complications, the mismatch between circulating strains and this year’s vaccine may be contributing to higher transmission.

For patients, it is important to know that the flu is not just a bad cold. It can lead to pneumonia, worsen existing lung and heart disease, and quickly become dangerous, especially for older adults, young children, and people with weakened immune systems. Antiviral medications can shorten illness and lower the risk of complications, but they work best when started within the first 48 hours after symptoms begin.

That is why early action matters.

Dr. Gustavo Ferrer, a pulmonologist and the founder and CEO of the Ferrer Pulmonary Institute, says recognizing symptoms early and taking simple preventive steps can significantly improve recovery and help slow the spread during a high-intensity season like this one. Below are his recommendations on how to reduce your risk of infection and what steps to take if you or a loved one becomes ill.

🍊 Supporting immune health at the first signs of illness with vitamin C and vitamin D, and using gentle, low-pressure saline nasal rinses to help reduce viral particles in the nasal passages

🏥 Contacting a healthcare provider promptly to ask about antiviral medications, especially for people at higher risk of complications

😷 Wearing a mask while symptomatic, particularly around older adults, infants, or anyone with chronic medical conditions

🧼 Washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap is not available

🤧 Covering coughs and sneezes, avoiding touching the face, and regularly disinfecting frequently touched surfaces such as phones, countertops, and keyboards

🏠 Staying home until fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication to avoid infecting others

🦠 Limiting time in crowded indoor spaces during peak weeks of transmission

🧘‍♀️ Prioritizing sleep, balanced nutrition, physical activity, and stress management to support immune function

🌬️ Improving indoor air quality through ventilation or air purifiers when possible

This year’s flu surge is a reminder that respiratory viruses can escalate quickly and place enormous strain on families and healthcare systems alike. The choices people make in the early days of illness can shape not only their own recovery, but also the safety of those around them.

Dr. Ferrer emphasizes that prevention and preparedness are forms of community care. Informed decisions, early treatment, and everyday protective habits can reduce personal risk while helping protect the most vulnerable members of society.

Expert Care for Better Breathing

From advanced diagnostics to interventional procedures, sleep medicine, chronic disease management, and long-term respiratory support, our team at the Ferrer Pulmonary Institute is dedicated to helping every patient breathe easier with clarity, confidence, and compassionate guidance.

If you have questions about your lung health, need a specialist, or want to learn more about the services we provide, visit pulmonary-institute.com to schedule an appointment or explore our programs.

For tips on lung health, behind-the-scenes education, and updates from our care team, follow Ferrer Pulmonary Institute on Instagram @ferrerinstitute.