How Does the Flu Start?

The flu virus, known scientifically as the influenza virus, typically enters the body through the respiratory tract. This often happens when a person inhales tiny droplets released into the air by someone who is already infected, such as through coughing, sneezing, or even talking. The virus can also be picked up by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your nose, mouth, or eyes.

At Immediate Care of Oklahoma, we see firsthand how quickly the flu can spread, especially during peak flu season. Our medical team encourages good hand hygiene, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and keeping common surfaces clean to help prevent infection. Environmental factors like cold, dry air can make flu viruses more resilient and increase the risk of catching the flu, especially in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces.

If you’re experiencing flu symptoms—such as fever, body aches, sore throat, or cough—visit Immediate Care of Oklahoma as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the severity and duration of your illness. We offer rapid flu testing, expert medical evaluation, and tailored treatment plans to help you recover quickly and prevent the spread of the flu to others.

At Immediate Care of Oklahoma, we know how quickly the flu can take hold after exposure. Once you’ve been exposed to the influenza virus, symptoms can develop rapidly—often within just one to four days. Most people start to feel sick about two days after coming into contact with the virus. This means you could experience classic flu symptoms such as fever, chills, body aches, sore throat, and fatigue as soon as 24 to 48 hours after exposure, though sometimes it may take up to four days.

It’s also important to remember that individuals infected with the flu can begin spreading the virus to others even before symptoms appear, typically about a day before feeling sick and up to a week afterward. This makes the flu highly contagious, particularly in close-contact settings like families, schools, and workplaces.

If you or a loved one begin to notice flu symptoms, don’t wait—visit Immediate Care of Oklahoma. Our walk-in clinics are staffed with experienced healthcare professionals ready to provide prompt evaluation and treatment to help you recover faster and prevent further spread. Staying informed and seeking early care can make all the difference during flu season!

At Immediate Care of Oklahoma, we see a noticeable increase in flu cases during the colder months. This is not just a coincidence—there are specific reasons why the influenza virus is more prevalent in our community during late fall and winter.

● Environmental Factors:

The flu virus thrives in cold, dry air, which is typical of Oklahoma winters. In these conditions, the virus survives longer both in the air and on surfaces, making it easier for it to spread from person to person. Low humidity in winter helps the virus remain stable, increasing the likelihood of transmission.

● Behavioral Factors:

During colder weather, people in Oklahoma tend to spend more time indoors with windows closed, leading to closer contact and less ventilation. These conditions make it easier for respiratory droplets—produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks—to spread the flu virus to others. The start of the school year and holiday gatherings also mean more time spent in crowded spaces, further increasing the risk.

● Immune System Challenges:

Shorter days and less sunlight in winter can lead to lower vitamin D levels. This can weaken the immune system and make individuals more susceptible to the flu and other respiratory infections.

If you or your loved ones begin experiencing flu symptoms, we are here to help. Our clinics offer prompt evaluation, testing, and treatment for the flu with no appointment necessary. We also provide flu vaccines to help protect you and your family during peak flu season.

Understanding why the flu is more common in the winter can help you take preventive steps. Remember to wash your hands frequently, cover your coughs and sneezes, and get your annual flu shot. For any flu-related concerns, trust the caring professionals at Immediate Care of Oklahoma to provide the support you need.

When flu season arrives, Immediate Care of Oklahoma is here to provide prompt, comprehensive care to help manage and relieve your symptoms. Our experienced medical team—including Dr. Kevin Penwell, D.O., and other dedicated providers—takes a holistic approach to patient care, addressing not only your physical symptoms but also your overall well-being.

If you begin to experience signs of the flu, such as fever, body aches, sore throat, fatigue, or cough, visit any of our Immediate Care of Oklahoma locations for an accurate diagnosis and expert guidance. Our team can recommend the most effective treatment, which may include antiviral medications if you are seen early, advice on over-the-counter remedies, and management strategies to help you recover comfortably at home. We are also equipped to monitor for flu-related complications, such as pneumonia, especially in higher-risk individuals like young children, seniors, and patients with chronic health conditions. In addition, Immediate Care of Oklahoma offers flu vaccinations and practical advice to help you prevent the spread of the virus within your family and community. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Oklahoma City, OK. We serve patients from West Moore OK, Norman (HealthPlex) OK, Norman (24th) OK, Edmond OK, Yukon OK, I-240 & Sooner RD OK, Tecumseh OK, and Bethany OK.