Flu is on the rise across the community and nation, so we asked Ariel Mejia, medical director at UCF Health Faculty Physician Practice and an internal medicine specialist, for advice on dealing with the contagious respiratory illness.

What are the signs and symptoms of the flu that patients should watch for?

The flu likes to make a big entrance when it comes in – a fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, muscle aches like a truck just ran you over. And for some children, even nausea and diarrhea.

When should flu sufferers contact their doctor?

You should see a doctor if you’re having any concerning signs – if you start developing chest pain, shortness of breath, if you have high fever that won’t come down. You should also contact your doctor if you are a high-risk individual which includes children under five and adults over 65. Patients that have chronic disease like diabetes, heart disease, lung disease and pregnant women should go see the doctor right away. They’re at the highest risk for complications.

How can you reduce your risk of getting the flu?

Wash your hands often. Cover your mouth when you cough. Stay away from sick people. Clean the surfaces in which you regularly come in contact. Wear masks.

How can patients boost their immune system to avoid the flu?

Easy. Eat your fruits. Eat your veggies. Eat your fiber. These foods are full of vitamins C, D, E and B6, which are necessary for the appropriate functioning of the immune system. Also, drink plenty of water. Stay hydrated. Sleep. Get up to eight hours of sleep so your body is well rested.

Everybody wants to know a magic supplement that’s going to boost the immune system. But, your immune system is not separate. It’s a part of your body. It’s a part of you. It’s one piece of the whole. Think about the immune system like a country’s military. You need to keep it strong. So staying healthy, that’s the key. Now there is some growing evidence that probiotics can modulate intestinal immune cells and that can cause a positive effect on your immune system homeostasis. So it’s not a bad idea to be sure that you get some probiotics in the form of yogurt, or maybe even a supplement.