By AFC Urgent Care Coppell
As the weather cools down in North Texas and kids settle into their school routines, flu season begins to creep in. In communities like Coppell, Lewisville, Flower Mound, Irving, Valley Ranch, Las Colinas, Carrollton, and Grapevine, influenza poses a real threat every fall and winter. While some may think of the flu as “just a bad cold,” it can cause serious illness — especially in young children, older adults, and those with chronic conditions.
Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to protect your family. At AFC Urgent Care Coppell, we’re committed to helping our neighbors stay healthy all season long. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide with our Top 10 Flu Prevention Tips to help your family avoid the virus — and the urgent care visit.
1. Get the Flu Shot Early
The most effective way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated every year. The CDC recommends flu vaccination for everyone 6 months and older, and it’s especially important for high-risk groups like children, seniors, and those with weakened immune systems.
Why Get Vaccinated at AFC Coppell?
- Walk-ins welcome — no appointment needed
- Flu shots for kids, adults, and seniors
- High-dose and egg-free options available
- Open 7 days a week, including evenings
Flu vaccines take about two weeks to become fully effective, so don’t wait. Come see us early in the season — ideally in September or October — before the virus starts circulating widely in Coppell, Lewisville, and surrounding areas.
2. Practice Good Hand Hygiene
Flu viruses spread through droplets in the air and on surfaces. One of the easiest ways to stop the spread is to wash your hands frequently and teach your kids to do the same.
Handwashing Tips:
- Use warm water and soap
- Scrub for at least 20 seconds (sing the ABCs or Happy Birthday)
- Wash before meals, after using the restroom, and after blowing your nose
- Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer (60% alcohol or higher) when soap isn’t available
Encourage these habits at home, at school, and on the go. They’re especially critical for students in Coppell ISD and Lewisville ISD schools.
3. Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces at Home
The flu virus can live on surfaces for up to 48 hours. Make it a habit to clean high-touch items daily, especially during peak flu season.
Focus on:
- Light switches, door handles, and stair rails
- Phones, tablets, keyboards, and remotes
- Kitchen counters and bathroom surfaces
- Kids' backpacks, lunchboxes, and school supplies
This is especially important in shared living spaces in Valley Ranch, Flower Mound, Carrollton, and Irving, where multiple family members may be exposed to community sources.
4. Boost Your Family’s Immune System
A strong immune system won’t make you invincible, but it can help your body fight infections more efficiently.
Healthy habits to encourage:
- Balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins
- Adequate hydration — water, not sugary drinks
- Daily physical activity (even 20–30 minutes of walking)
- Plenty of sleep — 7–9 hours for adults, more for kids
- Limit stress with screen-free time, reading, or mindfulness
Consider talking to your healthcare provider about vitamin D, zinc, or elderberry supplements, especially if someone in your household is immune-compromised.
5. Teach Your Kids to Cover Their Coughs and Sneezes
Respiratory etiquette can prevent viruses from spreading to others.
Teach your children to:
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue or elbow — never their hands
- Throw tissues away immediately
- Wash hands afterward
Send them to school with travel tissues and hand sanitizer so they’re prepared in classrooms across Coppell, Lewisville, and Las Colinas.
6. Stay Home If You’re Sick
Many people try to power through the flu — but showing up sick to work or school can infect others and slow down your recovery.
Stay home if you or your child has:
- Fever of 100.4°F or higher
- Chills, body aches, sore throat, or fatigue
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- A persistent cough or new symptoms
Keep your child home until they are fever-free for 24 hours without medication. AFC Coppell offers school and work excuse notes if needed.
7. Limit Exposure in Crowded Indoor Settings
During the height of flu season (typically November to February), try to reduce time spent in crowded or enclosed spaces.
Tips for reducing risk:
- Avoid unnecessary errands when flu activity is high
- Wear a mask if you or a family member is immune-compromised
- Choose well-ventilated environments
- Shop during non-peak hours
If you live in a high-traffic area like Las Colinas or Grapevine, this tip can be especially useful.
8. Know the Difference Between Cold, Flu, and COVID-19
Many respiratory viruses cause similar symptoms — but knowing the difference can guide your next steps.
| Symptom | Flu | Cold | COVID-19 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Onset | Sudden | Gradual | Varies |
| Fever | Common | Rare | Sometimes |
| Cough | Dry or wet | Mild | Common |
| Fatigue | Severe | Mild | Can be prolonged |
| Body aches | Intense | Mild | Sometimes |
| Loss of smell | Rare | Rare | Common (early) |
If you're unsure, AFC Urgent Care Coppell offers rapid flu, COVID, and RSV testing — with same-day results in most cases.
9. Seek Medical Care Early
If you or your child begins showing signs of the flu, seeking care early can shorten the illness and prevent complications.
We recommend visiting AFC Coppell if:
- Symptoms are worsening after 2–3 days
- Your fever is high or persistent
- You’re experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, or dehydration
- Your child is under 5 years old or has chronic health issues
We offer same-day care for flu symptoms, and in many cases can prescribe antivirals like Tamiflu within the first 48 hours to help reduce symptom severity.
10. Get the Whole Family Vaccinated — Including Seniors and Babies
Don’t forget the most vulnerable members of your household:
For Seniors (65+):
- A high-dose flu vaccine is recommended for stronger immune protection.
- AFC Coppell offers this specially formulated vaccine — just ask at check-in.
For Babies and Toddlers:
- Children 6 months and older should be vaccinated annually.
- If it’s their first flu shot and they’re under 9, they may need two doses spaced four weeks apart.
AFC Coppell provides flu shots for all ages — so you can protect your whole family in one easy visit.
Bonus Tip: Get Your COVID-19 Booster at the Same Time
Yes — it’s safe and effective to get your flu shot and COVID booster at the same time.
Ask our providers if you're due for your COVID-19 vaccine or booster. We serve hundreds of patients from Coppell, Flower Mound, Carrollton, and Irving who choose to take care of both vaccines in one convenient trip.
Stay One Step Ahead of the Flu This Fall
Influenza may be common, but it doesn’t have to take over your fall. With the right habits — and help from your local urgent care — you can keep your family healthy, your kids in school, and your schedule uninterrupted.
At AFC Urgent Care Coppell, we’re proud to be your neighborhood partner in flu prevention and treatment. We make it easy for families in Coppell, Lewisville, Flower Mound, Valley Ranch, Las Colinas, Carrollton, Irving, and Grapevine to get protected and stay well all season long.
