CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Fall is just around the corner and Central Illinois healthcare providers are suggesting people start preparing for flu season.

OSF Healthcare said staying healthy starts with simple things everyone has heard before; like washing hands or covering coughs and sneezes. 

They also said getting a flu vaccine at any point could help your ability to fight the illness and suggest people with other health problems look at getting RSV vaccines.

The company mentioned you should also know what to do if you do end up feeling sick.

“If it’s a mild case, you just feel a little down, maybe have some mild flu or cold symptoms, you know, maybe a mild fever,” said spokesperson Tim Ditman. “Consider some Tylenol or some Motrin. Stay hydrated, heavy fluids and just rest. However, if it gets to the point where you’re having trouble breathing, that would be the time that you would definitely need to see a medical professional.”

He said OSF doesn’t know how severe this year’s flu season will be, but says last year’s was particularly bad, with 20% of Illinois ER visits being for respiratory illness.