Rural Health Matters: Staying Ahead of Cold and Flu Season

As flu season closes in, Dr. Gold outlines the steps to take when you get sick — including resting, staying hydrated, and knowing when to seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.

LINCOLN, Neb. (RFD-TV) — As colder weather sets in, cold and flu cases are expected to rise across the country. On this week’s Rural Health Matters segment on Market Day Report, we turned to the experts at the University of Nebraska to learn how to prepare for the season and protect ourselves and our families.

Dr. Jeffrey Gold, President of the University of Nebraska, joined RFD-TV News to share what to expect in the months ahead and the best ways to prevent illness. He noted that while cold and flu season follows a familiar pattern each year, early preparation is key to minimizing the spread and reducing the severity of infections.

In his interview, Dr. Gold emphasized the importance of prevention, from simple steps such as frequent hand washing and avoiding close contact with sick individuals to staying up to date on vaccinations. He also addressed the flu shot specifically, urging those who are eligible to get vaccinated as soon as possible to help protect themselves and vulnerable members of their communities.

Dr. Gold discussed the role of COVID boosters this season, advising that individuals should consult their healthcare providers to determine whether they should receive an updated vaccine in addition to their annual flu shot.

Finally, Dr. Gold outlined the steps to take if you do get sick — including resting, staying hydrated, and knowing when to seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.

University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold reminded viewers that proactive measures can significantly reduce both the spread and impact of seasonal illnesses. He encouraged everyone to prepare early and take steps to protect their health this fall and winter.

Related Stories
The National FFA Organization hosts the Washington Leadership Conference, where thousands of FFA members gather to learn how to be change makers in their communities.
National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew discusses the urgent need for aid as farm families face mounting input costs and long-term market uncertainty.
Bradley Roy was the youngest angler to compete in a Bassmaster Elite Series event. Now, he’s prepping to hit the water with MLF Hall of Famer Greg “The Rooster” Vinson in the Team Series Patriot Cup.
Large carryover stocks continue to put pressure on commodity prices, creating uncertainty for growers looking to market their grain.
Record crops are increasing grain storage needs, prompting safety experts to remind producers of the risk of grain bin entrapment during harvest.
Heidi Exline with American Farmland Trust shares how their Farm to School initiative helps strengthen the connection between local farms and school food programs.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold, President of the University of Nebraska, notes that many heart-related conditions can be prevented through lifestyle changes.
Fans can catch all the action live starting next Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. ET, following Cow Guy Close. Catch it LIVE only on RFD-TV.

More Shows
The fourth and final event in Major League Fishing’s Fishing Clash Team Series. Catch the final round each day LIVE only on RFD-TV.
Hosted by Emmy Award-winning journalist Tanji Patton, “Goodtaste with Tanji” focuses on chefs and popular dishes from restaurants across the culinary spectrum, along with wines, cocktails, and spirits, too. As a travelogue, the show visits restaurants, diners, and eateries across the Lone Star State in fun and adventurous settings, plus the program occasionally travels to neighboring states like Louisiana and New Mexico. In addition, the show educates viewers on wine pairings and value buys available in current wine trends.
The Folds of Honor Patriot Cup presented by B&W Trailer Hitches is the third of four Major League Fishing post-season invitational events in the Fishing Clash Team Series presented by Bass Pro Shops. Catch it LIVE on RFD-TV.
FFA
RFD-TV News is proud to provide viewers across Rural America with gavel-to-gavel coverage of the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana on Oct 29 – Nov 1, 2025.
“Texas Our Texas” – a magical place. A place of land and legend. A place like no other. People come here to touch it, to feel the passion, to soak it in and be a part of it. Hosted by Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller. Let’s ride!
The Knighten Industries Heritage Cup presented by Bass Boat Technologies is the second of four Major League Fishing post-season invitational events in the Fishing Clash Team Series presented by Bass Pro Shops. Catch it LIVE on RFD-TV.
Meet the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Anglers Teaming up to compete in the MLF Team Series’ Folds of Honor Patriot Cup. Catch the action LIVE only on RFD-TV and streaming on the RFD-TV Now app.
“Today’s Wild West” is a documentary-style, half-hour TV seres on all-things-Western: horseback adventures, cattle drives, dude ranches, Western art, artisans, music, movies, historic sites, Native American culture and more.
Madison Brown grew up on the road and now invites viewers to follow along with her as she continues to indulge her love of exploring new places, including behind-the-scenes at big events and tourist attractions, and celebrity interviews with the likes of country star Toby Keith, former NBA player Karl Malone, former MLB pitcher Greg Maddux, and “Brady Bunch” star Christopher Knight (Brown’s uncle).