Doctor offers tips for cold and flu season

by Emily Canning-Dean

The final months of the year are often filled with fun and festivities, but they are also a time when many are more susceptible to colds and flu.

Dr. Samer Shaker, a doctor with University Hospitals Brecksville Internal Medicine, shared some tips on staying healthy while making the most of the holidays.

According to Shaker, while colds and the flu can be contracted at any time of year, cases in Northeast Ohio typically spike as temperatures drop and people begin spending more time indoors together, with transmission remaining easier through the holiday season.

For anyone over the age of 6 months, he said a flu shot is the first line of defense.

“It is really the best way to protect yourself unless you have had a bad reaction in the past,” Shaker said. “It takes about two weeks for the shot to fully work, so I would recommend getting it at least two weeks before going to any holiday celebrations.”

While getting vaccinated prior to flu season, which spans from autumn through February, is ideal, later in the season is still far better than not getting one at all.

“By March it might be a little too late, but I would recommend getting one whenever you have the opportunity,” he said. “This is something you can schedule with a nurse in most doctors’ offices, and there are plenty of local pharmacies where you can get it done.”

Shaker added that according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is safe to receive a flu shot and a COVID shot at the same time.

“There is a small increase of having some side effects like chills or fatigue, but otherwise many people can tolerate getting both at the same time,” he said. “If you are uncertain, go ahead and get them separately, but for convenience’s sake it should be fine to get them both at the same time.”

Shaker also recommends frequent hand-washing and use of hand sanitizer.

“You can also prevent exposure by not touching surfaces and cleaning items that are frequently touched like door handles and keys,” he said. “If you do have cold and flu symptoms or if you are around people with symptoms, it can also be helpful to wear a mask.”

Besides avoiding germs, Shaker said healthy lifestyle choices like eating fruits and vegetables, exercising, drinking plenty of water and getting eight hours of sleep per night will make people less susceptible to the flu virus.

“I realize taking care of your health can be difficult this time of year as we can get busy and are taking time to celebrate the holidays,” he said.

The key, he insists, is consistency and not perfection. If you skip a workout one day or eat poorly one day, don’t feel defeated and give up for the entire week or month.

“That is where people can create almost a self-defeating prophecy,” he said. “We need to be a little kinder with ourselves and do the best we can to stay consistent.”