Beat the Bug: Flu Prep 101

What to Know and Do This Flu Season

Flu season arrives every year with its own challenges, but a little preparation can go a long way in keeping your household healthy. Families across Hurst, Bedford, and Euless are already seeing early cases, making now the perfect time to understand what to expect and how to protect yourself. At WithCare Urgent Care, our team is committed to helping the community stay informed, prepared, and well.

The first and most important step this season is getting your flu shot. The flu vaccine is updated each year to match the most active strains, reducing both the severity and duration of illness. WithCare Urgent Care  offers walk-in flu vaccinations for adults and children, making it easy to fit protection into your schedule.

Good hygiene remains one of the strongest defenses against the spread of the flu. Simple habits—frequent hand-washing, covering coughs, disinfecting surfaces, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals—make a meaningful difference. When symptoms do appear, the providers at WithCare Urgent Care encourage early evaluation, especially for vulnerable groups such as young children, seniors, and those with chronic health conditions.

Recognizing the flu early can help you recover faster. Common symptoms include a sudden fever, chills, sore throat, muscle aches, and fatigue. Unlike a cold, flu symptoms tend to appear abruptly. If you're unsure whether you have the flu, COVID-19, or another respiratory illness, WithCare Urgent Care offers rapid testing so you can get answers quickly.

It’s also important to know that antibiotics do not treat the flu. Antiviral medications, however, may shorten the illness when taken within the first 48 hours. The medical team at WithCare Urgent Care can determine whether antivirals are appropriate for your situation. For most patients, rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications for fever and aches are key to recovering comfortably.

If someone in your home gets sick, minimize exposure by keeping shared surfaces clean and encouraging the sick individual to rest in a separate area. Should symptoms worsen—such as persistent fever, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort—WithCare Urgent Care is available to evaluate and provide timely treatment.

This is also a great time to prepare your home medicine cabinet. Stock up on tissues, fever reducers, electrolyte drinks, and a working thermometer. Should you need in-person support, WithCare Urgent Care offers extended hours and walk-in visits to make care convenient for families in Hurst, Bedford, and Euless.

Parents should keep a close eye on children who develop flu symptoms. Kids may experience vomiting or higher fevers, and they can become dehydrated quickly. When in doubt, the pediatric-friendly team at WithCare Urgent Care is ready to help assess symptoms and provide treatment.

For adults with underlying conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, the flu can trigger more serious complications. Don’t hesitate to seek medical attention at WithCare Urgent Care if your symptoms feel severe or unusual.

As flu season progresses, staying proactive is your best protection. Keep practicing healthy habits, get vaccinated, and seek care early when needed. For compassionate, accessible, and reliable support throughout the season, WithCare Urgent Care is here to keep the Hurst, Bedford, and Euless communities healthy and thriving.