By Jamie Strickland
As flu season is in full swing, many Johnston County families are asking the same questions: how to avoid getting sick, how to tell if it’s the flu and when to seek treatment. To help cut through the confusion,we spoke with Carl Edwards, PharmD, Pharmacy Manager at Realo Discount Drug, who shared some practical guidance for navigating flu season.
According to Edwards, prevention still plays the biggest role in staying healthy.
“The best ways to prevent getting the flu are frequent handwashing with soap and water or using hand sanitizer,” he said. He also emphasized cleaning high-touch surfaces with disinfectant, avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth and limiting close contact with people who are sick. Wearing a mask can add another layer of protection, especially in crowded indoor settings.
Lifestyle habits matter, too. Edwards pointed out that getting enough sleep, managing stress, staying hydrated and eating nutritious foods all help support the immune system.
While no method is foolproof, he stressed one prevention tool above the rest: “Get your flu shot.”
He noted that while the vaccine does not guarantee you won’t get sick, “it vastly improves overall outcomes and reduces severe illness.”
If symptoms do appear, timing becomes important. Edwards recommends acting quickly rather than waiting it out.
“If you suspect that you have the flu, you should perform a flu test as soon as possible,” he said, explaining that treatment works best when started early. Many people may be surprised to learn that over-the-counter flu tests are now widely available. Edwards described them as simple to use and said they typically cost an average of $10-$15 per test.
For most people with mild symptoms, a doctor’s visit may not be necessary. Edwards explained that these cases can usually be managed with rest and supportive care, including over-the-counter cough and cold medications, Tylenol for fever and body aches and plenty of fluids.
However, he cautioned that some groups face a higher risk of complications. Adults 65 and older, young children, people with certain chronic conditions and those with weakened immune systems should contact their medical provider if flu symptoms develop.
Prescription antivirals may also be an option in some cases. Edwards said medications like Tamiflu and Xofluza can help reduce symptoms and shorten the duration of the flu as long as they are started within 48 hours of symptom onset. He added that these medications can sometimes be used preventively for people who have been exposed to the virus.
One major change this flu season is expanding access to care right here in the community. “New this year, the NC Department of Health and Human Services allows pharmacists to test and treat for the flu,” Edwards said. This means patients ages five and older can now visit their local pharmacy for flu testing and treatment, helping reduce delays and making care more accessible when timing matters most.
As flu season continues, Edwards’ advice is simple: focus on prevention, pay attention to symptoms and don’t hesitate to seek help early. With local pharmacists now playing an even bigger role in flu care, there are more options than ever to stay healthy this winter.
