Flu Season in Owensboro: A Doctor’s Call to Action

By Dr. Wade Taylor, Medical Director, Owensboro Health Urgent Care

As the leaves begin to turn and there is a crispness in the air, we in Owensboro know what’s coming—not just fall festivals and football games, but flu season. And while our city of 60,000+ is known for its resilience and community spirit, the flu doesn’t care how tight-knit we are. It spreads quickly, hits hard, and can disrupt everything from classrooms to workplaces to family gatherings.

As the Medical Director of Owensboro Health Urgent Care - Ford, I see firsthand how the flu affects our community. Every year, we treat hundreds of cases. Some are mild, some are severe, and some that could have been prevented altogether. So, let me be clear: flu prevention isn’t just a personal choice—it’s a community responsibility.

The Flu Isn’t “Just a Bad Cold”

Let’s begin by dispelling a myth. Influenza is not the same as a cold. It’s a highly contagious respiratory virus that can cause high fever, body aches, fatigue, and in some cases, serious complications like pneumonia, heart inflammation, or hospitalization. For older adults, young children, pregnant women, and those with chronic conditions like diabetes or asthma, the flu can be life-threatening.

Last year, Kentucky saw thousands of confirmed flu cases, and Owensboro was no exception. We had patients ranging from toddlers to retirees, many of whom were caught off guard by how quickly symptoms escalated. Some missed weeks of work. Others ended up in the ER. A few faced complications that lingered long after the fever broke.

The Flu Shot: Your First Line of Defense

If I could put a billboard on Frederica Street with just one message, it would be this: “Get Your Flu Shot.” It’s safe, effective, and widely available. The CDC recommends annual vaccination for everyone six months and older. Here in Owensboro, you can get it at pharmacies, clinics, and right here at Urgent Care - Ford.

The flu vaccine doesn’t guarantee you won’t get sick, but it dramatically reduces your risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death. It also helps protect those around you; especially the vulnerable folks who can’t fight off infection as easily.

And no, the flu shot doesn’t give you the flu. That’s a persistent myth I hear every year. The vaccine contains inactivated virus or viral proteins that cannot cause infection. What you might feel afterward—a sore arm, mild fatigue—is your immune system gearing up for battle.

Simple Habits That Make a Big Difference

Vaccination is key, but it’s not the only tool in our toolbox. Here are a few practical steps every Owensboro resident can take:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after coughing, sneezing, or touching shared surfaces.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, or your elbow when you cough or sneeze. Do not use your hand.
• Stay home if you’re sick. It’s tempting to power through, but going to work or school with flu symptoms puts others at risk.
• Clean high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, phones, and countertops regularly.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and consider wearing a mask if flu is circulating heavily in your area.

These aren’t just recommendations—they’re acts of kindness. They show that you care about your neighbors, your coworkers, and your community.

What to Do if You Get Sick

If you start feeling flu symptoms such as fever, chills, sore throat, body aches, don’t wait. Come see us. Early treatment with antiviral medications like oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and Xofluza can shorten the duration of illness and reduce complications, especially if started within the first 48 hours.

We also help rule out other conditions. Not every fever is flu, and not every cough is harmless. COVID-19, RSV and strep throat are or will be circulating, and accurate diagnosis matters.

Owensboro’s Strength is in Its People

What I love most about our community is how we show up for each other. Whether it’s rallying around a family in need or supporting our schools and small businesses, this city knows how to care. Flu prevention is another way we can show that. It’s not flashy. It doesn’t make headlines. But it saves lives, protects our healthcare system, and keeps our community strong.

So this fall, I urge you: get vaccinated, stay vigilant, and spread awareness—not the virus. Let’s make this flu season one of the safest Owensboro has seen. We’re here for you at Owensboro Health Urgent Care, and we’re proud to serve a city that takes health seriously.

Dr. Wade Taylor is the Medical Director of Owensboro Urgent Care. He lives in Daviess County with his three children, and believes that public health starts with personal responsibility and community trust.