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While many of us are breathing a sigh of relief that the COVID-19 pandemic is entering the rearview mirror, there is continued reason to remain focused on proactive healthcare: flu season.

Many experts predict (and are already witnessing) an early start to the flu season that’s also expected to be stronger than in past years. A variety of reasons contribute to this stronger bug, including a return to pre-pandemic social behaviors and a look at Australia’s now-concluding flu season as a case study.

We dive into the topic of flu season and what patients and physicians need to know in this month’s newsletter. Read on for more resources and insights.
It’s no secret that our country is facing serious healthcare challenges. From a shortage of medical professionals at all levels, to the rising costs of care, there are many ideas and opinions on how to solve these challenges. One such solution is to lean on the physician-led healthcare team to provide efficient, safe patient care. Read more via The Pulse Pensacola here.
One South Florida mom shares the benefits of proactive annual physician visits and leading a healthy lifestyle. As we head towards flu season, her advice can help Florida families stay healthy. Read more here.
As most states remove COVID-19 restrictions, many Americans have questions about the first flu season following the worst of the pandemic. For insights from the American Medical Association on masking, vaccinations, and how to stay safe this season, read more here.
John A. Gross, MD, FAAFP is a family medicine/sports medicine physician at JAG Medical, a direct primary care practice in St. Petersburg. Dr. Gross is the Past-President of the Florida Academy of Family Physicians.
Q: What do you think is the reason that this may be an earlier flu season and a stronger one than usual?

Dr. Gross: One of the reasons we speculate that this season's influenza may be earlier and stronger is the preview we got from the southern hemisphere, where in countries like Australia, the flu was more prevalent compared to previous years. In addition, it has been predicted that a return to pre-pandemic social habits will lead to less mask-wearing and more incidental exposure.

Q: How can we stay ahead of flu season and keep our families and co-workers healthy and safe?

Dr. Gross: One good thing that came out of our seasons of COVID was the general social acceptance of wearing masks in public. Be considerate of others and their potential risk of illness if they were to get influenza (think the elderly, the young, and the chronically ill).

In addition to doing all things your mom told you to do (use a tissue, not your sleeve, wash your hands, stay home when you have the sniffles or worse, and so on), get your flu vaccine right now. Know that the purpose of the flu vaccine isn't to keep you from getting the flu, but for decreasing the likelihood of severe infection and death, as well as decreasing the severity of symptoms if you happen to catch the virus.

Q: What are physicians doing to prepare for flu season?

Dr. Gross: Most physicians are getting their flu vaccine and being liberal with mask-wearing, both to protect themselves and their patients, as the influenza virus doesn't care who you are, just if you're available to be infected.

Q: What piece of advice would you give your patients as we head into the winter months?

Dr. Gross: Flu season is a perfect time for smokers to quit smoking, as actively smoking decreases your lungs' ability to fight off influenza.
According to a Hattiesburg Clinic Study, patients who saw a nonphysician as their primary care provider had higher rates of emergency room use than patients with a primary care physician.

What’s your take? Join in on the conversation!
You can also learn more about The Physician Decision by visiting our website: thephysiciandecision.com.