Managing the Flu in Winter: Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Tips

The flu often begins suddenly and can feel intense. You might notice a high fever, often with chills and sweats, along with sudden body aches and muscle pains—many people describe it as feeling “hit by a truck.” Early fatigue and weakness are also very common, leaving you feeling unusually tired.

Another frequent early symptom is a dry, persistent cough, sometimes with a sore throat or nasal congestion. Headaches and discomfort behind the eyes can also occur. While everyone’s experience with the flu is a little different, the combination of fever, muscle aches, fatigue, cough, and sore throat are classic early warning signs—much more severe than the common cold.

Early recognition and treatment can help you recover faster and reduce the risk of spreading the flu to others in our community.

Some important steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting the flu this winter:

1. Get Your Annual Flu Vaccine

The most effective way to protect yourself and your family from the flu is by getting the annual flu vaccine. Our clinic offers convenient flu shot appointments for patients of all ages. Call or visit Carrboro Family Medicine Center to schedule your vaccination today.

2. Practice Good Hand Hygiene

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

3. Avoid Close Contact with Sick Individuals

Try to keep your distance from people who are showing signs of illness. If you’re feeling unwell, it’s important to stay home and avoid contact with others to prevent the spread of the virus.

4. Cover Coughs and Sneezes

Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze, and dispose of tissues immediately. This helps protect those around you.

5. Don’t Touch Your Face

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, as these are common entry points for viruses.

6. Support Your Immune System

Maintain healthy habits such as getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and staying physically active.

7. Consider Masking in Crowded Spaces

If flu activity is high, wearing a mask in crowded or enclosed spaces can offer additional protection.

8. Disinfect Frequently Touched Surfaces

Regularly clean doorknobs, light switches, smartphones, and other commonly touched objects at home and work.

By following these preventive steps and partnering with your care team at Carrboro Family Medicine Center, you can significantly decrease your chances of contracting the flu this winter.

If you or a family member experiences difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, sudden dizziness, confusion, severe or ongoing vomiting, or if symptoms improve but then return with a higher fever and a worse cough, please contact us right away.

Certain people are at higher risk for flu complications, including young children, adults over 65, pregnant women, and anyone with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease. If you or a loved one in these groups develops flu symptoms, we recommend reaching out to our clinic for guidance and care.

Additionally, high fever lasting more than three days, signs of dehydration (such as not urinating, dry mouth, or feeling very weak), or blue lips or face are reasons to seek immediate medical attention. Early evaluation and treatment can help prevent complications and support a smooth recovery, especially for those at increased risk.

For most healthy adults, symptoms like fever, body aches, fatigue, and sore throat usually improve within three to seven days. However, it’s not uncommon to experience lingering tiredness or a cough for up to two weeks or even longer.

Certain groups—such as children, older adults, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions—often need more time to recover and are at higher risk for flu-related complications, including pneumonia and bronchitis. If you or your family member falls into one of these categories, please reach out to us for guidance, especially if symptoms last longer than two weeks or worsen over time.

To support your recovery, we recommend getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, and using over-the-counter medications to help manage fever and discomfort. In some cases, our providers may prescribe antiviral medications, which can help shorten the duration of flu symptoms if started within the first 48 hours of illness.

As winter arrives in Carrboro, our community often sees a rise in flu cases. At Carrboro Family Medicine Center, Dr. Yulia Neyman and our dedicated team are committed to helping you and your family stay healthy throughout flu season with expert prevention, treatment, and recovery support.

Flu Prevention Starts with Carrboro Family Medicine Center

Dr. Neyman emphasizes that the most effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu is with an annual flu shot. We offers convenient flu vaccinations for people ages six months and older. In addition to getting vaccinated at our clinic, we recommend practicing good hand hygiene, avoiding close contact with those who are sick, and regularly disinfecting commonly touched surfaces—simple steps that go a long way in protecting our Carrboro community.

Recognizing and Treating the Flu

If you start to experience flu symptoms—such as fever, chills, body aches, sore throat, cough, or fatigue—contact us promptly. Early recognition and care can help reduce the risk of complications, especially for high-risk groups like young children, seniors, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions. Dr. Neyman advises patients to rest, stay hydrated, and use over-the-counter medications as directed to manage symptoms. For eligible patients, our providers may recommend antiviral medications, which are most effective when started within 48 hours of symptom onset.

Supporting Your Recovery

Most people recover from the flu in about a week, but lingering fatigue or cough are common. Dr. Neyman and the Carrboro Family Medicine team encourage patients to listen to their bodies and return to regular activities only when fully recovered. If you experience worsening symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or a persistent high fever, please reach out to our office right away for further evaluation.

Your Partners in Community Health

At Carrboro Family Medicine Center, we’re here to support you through every step of flu season. From prevention to personalized treatment plans, our goal is to keep you and your family healthy all winter long. If you have questions about the flu vaccine, need guidance on managing symptoms, or want to discuss your individual risk, schedule an appointment with Dr. Neyman or one of our providers today. For more information, please contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 610 Jones Ferry Rd Suite 102, Carrboro, NC 27510. We serve patients from Carrboro NC, Chapel Hill NC, Southern Village NC, Fearrington NC, Blands NC, Pittsboro NC, and surrounding areas.