Helping patients stay healthy: Essential flu prevention tips

While flu season occurs annually, its impact can vary based on vaccination rates, patient behaviors and timely access to care.

Healthcare providers play an important role in flu prevention by educating patients, encouraging vaccination, help treat viruses and reinforcing everyday habits that may help limit the spread of illness. Clear, consistent communication can help patients recognize symptoms, understand risks and know when to seek medical care.

Flu prevention basics: Talking points for patients

The flu, caused by the Influenza virus, commonly spreads through respiratory droplets when a person carrying the virus coughs, sneezes or talks. It may also spread after contact with contaminated surfaces, followed by touching the mouth, nose or throat.

Providers can support patient awareness by explaining how flu symptoms differ from a cold. Influenza symptoms often include fever, fatigue, cough and body aches and may appear more suddenly. Early recognition can help patients take appropriate steps to limit contact with others and determine when to seek medical care.

These conversations are especially important for individuals at higher risk, including children, older adults and people with chronic conditions, who may be more likely to experience complications involving the lungs or other systems.

To support prevention efforts, providers can encourage patients to book their flu vaccinations and explore strategies for working through vaccine hesitancy to help address common questions and concerns.

Flu prevention basics: Talking points for patients

Preventing influenza often requires a combination of vaccination, daily habits and timely care. Providers can use the following talking points to guide patient conversations, reinforce consistent prevention behaviors and support informed decision-making throughout flu season.

1. Annual flu vaccination

Encourage patients to receive a flu shot each year. The flu vaccine is updated annually and may help reduce the risk of influenza and related complications. For families, providers can also discuss the importance of vaccination for children, particularly those attending school, daycare or camp settings, where close contact may increase the likelihood of exposure. For the elderly population, providers can discuss the importance of vaccination especially for those in nursing homes or rehabilitation facilities.

2. Hand hygiene

Discuss the importance of regular handwashing with patients. Promote the use of soap and water, especially after any contact with other people or shared surfaces. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand sanitizer or alcohol-based hand rub may help reduce the spread of germs.

3. Respiratory etiquette

Remind patients to cover coughs and sneezes with their elbow or a tissue and to wash their hands afterward. These actions may help limit virus transmission. Personal protective equipment, such as masks, also provide an extra barrier of protection.

4. Surface cleaning

Regularly cleaning frequently touched surfaces at home and work may help reduce exposure to the flu virus after contact with a sick person.

5. Healthy lifestyle habits

Encourage patients to support overall health by getting adequate sleep, eating a balanced diet with fruits and vegetables, staying physically active and maintaining a healthy weight. Providers can also remind patients to avoid smoking, only drink alcohol in moderation and practice good hygiene.¹

6. Staying home when sick

Encourage patients with flu-like symptoms to stay home and limit contact with others, particularly in shared environments such as school or work. If you are unable to stay at home, wearing a mask can help provide protection for yourself and others.

7. Antiviral medications

For some patients, antiviral treatment may be necessary. Providers can explain when antiviral medications may be considered and why early evaluation is important.

Advising patients on what to do if they get the flu

If a patient develops influenza, providers can share supportive care guidance that may help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of spreading illness to others.

Supportive care options to discuss include:

• Rest: Encourage patients to get adequate rest to support recovery during illness
• Fluids: Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water or clear broths, may help prevent dehydration, especially for patients experiencing fever or diarrhea
• Over-the-counter treatment: When appropriate, over-the-counter options may help relieve symptoms such as fever, cough or throat discomfort. Providers can advise patients on appropriate use based on individual needs
• Prescription antivirals

Patients are generally advised to remain home for at least 24 hours after a fever resolves without medication to help limit the spread of the flu virus. While many healthy adults begin to feel better within about a week, they may remain contagious for a longer period and should continue to take precautions around others.

Providers can also remind patients that:

• Natural remedies may provide comfort, but do not replace vaccination or medical treatment
• Symptoms that worsen or do not improve may warrant additional evaluation by a healthcare provider
• Treatment options may vary based on age, health status and risk factors

When appropriate, patients can be directed to flu treatment options for additional information and support.

Guiding patients on when to seek medical care

Clear, timely guidance can help patients and caregivers understand when it may be appropriate to contact a health care provider for additional evaluation. Providers can outline warning signs that may require medical attention, noting that symptoms can differ between children and adults.

In children, signs that may warrant urgent medical care include:

• Fast or difficult breathing
• Not drinking enough fluids or signs of dehydration
• Severe or repeated vomiting
• Unusual drowsiness, difficulty waking or limited interaction
• Increased irritability or discomfort
• Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever or worsening cough

In adults, signs that may warrant urgent medical care include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest or abdominal pain or pressure
• Sudden dizziness or confusion
• Severe or repeated vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever or worsening cough²

Providers can also remind patients that children, older adults and individuals with chronic illness may benefit from earlier evaluation, even if symptoms initially appear mild.

Supporting patients to stay protected this flu season

Providers play an important role in reinforcing flu prevention guidance, addressing patient questions and supporting informed decision-making throughout flu season. Ongoing education can be especially valuable for high-risk populations and for patients who may need additional reassurance or clarification.

McKesson supports healthcare providers with tools, resources and solutions that help support flu prevention efforts, patient education and care delivery.

See how McKesson can help.