Mercy Fort Smith Physician Shares Guidance for Flu Season

Flu season is upon us, and Dr. Iram Qureshi with Mercy Clinic Primary Care – Towson in Fort Smith is encouraging River Valley residents to take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones from influenza and other seasonal illnesses.

Recognizing the Symptoms
The most common symptoms of the flu include fever, chills, body aches, cough, sore throat and fatigue, Dr. Qureshi said.

“It can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference between the flu, COVID-19 and the common cold because many symptoms overlap,” she said. “However, the flu typically comes on very suddenly, while a cold tends to develop more gradually. COVID-19 can have a wider range of symptoms, including loss of taste or smell.”

When to See a Doctor
If you develop a high fever, shortness of breath or persistent chest pain, Dr. Qureshi advises contacting your provider right away. “For most people, rest, fluids and over-the-counter medications are enough, but those with chronic conditions or severe symptoms should be evaluated,” she said.

Additionally, it is possible to get both the flu and COVID-19 — or even another respiratory illness —at the same time, she added.

“This can increase the risk of severe illness, so staying up to date on all vaccinations, including COVID-19 boosters, is essential,” Dr. Qureshi explained.

Flu in Children vs. Adults

The flu can affect children differently than adults, often hitting kids harder and in unique ways. Children tend to develop higher, more sudden fevers and are more likely to experience nausea, vomiting or diarrhea compared with adults. They can also develop secondary infections, such as ear infections, and are at greater risk for dehydration and serious complications like pneumonia —especially those under age 5 or with chronic health conditions.

Parents should keep a close eye on symptoms and seek medical care if their child is struggling to breathe, not drinking fluids or appears unusually tired, Dr. Qureshi said.

Because children shed the flu virus longer and more heavily, they’re also more contagious for a greater period. Adults, on the other hand, usually recover within about a week, though fatigue and cough can linger. While older adults are more at risk for severe outcomes, young children are more likely to develop complications, making annual flu vaccination important for both age groups.

Healthy Habits

In addition to vaccination, Dr. Qureshi recommends practicing good hygiene: wash hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes, stay home when sick and disinfect commonly touched surfaces. In addition, Dr. Qureshi says supporting your immune system through healthy habits can make a big difference. Eating probiotic-rich foods, maintaining good sleep and vitamin D levels, and managing stress all strengthen the body’s defenses. Using a humidifier helps reduce the spread of flu viruses in dry air, while disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and practicing good hygiene can limit exposure. Even simple actions like staying hydrated, bundling up in cold weather and drinking antioxidant-rich teas can help keep your immune system resilient throughout flu season.

“Small steps like these go a long way in keeping families and communities healthy,” she said. “Widespread illness can lead to missed workdays, student absences and added strain on health care systems. That’s why prevention and vaccination are so important, not just for individuals, but for everyone.”

Dr. Qureshi said her message to the community is simple: “Get your flu shot, encourage your loved ones to do the same, and take everyday precautions. Together, we can reduce the spread of flu and keep our community strong and healthy this season.”