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 Summit Cup is the fourth and final event in the Major League Fishing Team Series. Catch the action live on RFD-TV, starting on Sunday, November 16.
Lewie Pugh, with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report to share his perspective on what the bill could mean for truckers.
Mike Newland with the Propane Education & Research Council shares how producers can prepare for winter weather and the benefits of propane.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer shares insight into what these new accounts, established in provisions of the Big, Beautiful Bill, could mean for the farm families.
AFBF Economist Danny Munch shares how passing the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act could give the dairy industry a needed boost.
Jan and Erin Johnson also join FarmHER + RanchHER host Kirbe Schnoor on this week’s Dirt Diaries podcast to dig in on entrepreneurship, legacy, and letting go.
It started as a simple service project for 4-H — collect some shoes, help a few people. But for Franklin Parish High School senior Eli Rogers, it has turned into something much bigger.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Tim and Sharyn Abbott of the Music City Celebration Sale recap the weekend’s premier auction, which drew top dairy breeders and buyers to Nashville again this year from across North America.
The bill to once again allow schools to offer whole milk and 2% milk will now go to President Trump for approval.
Plans are underway for the 27th annual Great Eastern Iowa Tractorcade, a June event celebrating farm heritage, tractor history, and rural traditions. Event manager Matt Kenney joins us to highlight the importance of commemorating farm heritage.
Farm Legal Expert Roger McEowen with the Washburn School of Law joins us to share more about the North Dakota court decision and the its larger impact on agriculture.
Fertilizer markets face uncertainty after President Trump raised the possibility of tariffs on Canadian imports, with analysts warning of supply and pricing risks. Josh Linville with StoneX provides a fertilizer industry outlook.
Frigid winter weather and rapid temperature swings have cattle markets watching closely for livestock stress, as analysts say fluctuations pose the greatest risk.
More Shows
Through scholarships, grants, endowments, junior livestock auctions, calf scramble program and show premiums, The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo impacts over 22,000 youth in Texas annually.
Dedicated to preserving the western way of life and promoting agricultural education to the Youth of Texas, the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo Association works year round to continue to bring top notch events to the West Texas Area.
Twisted Skillet brings a straightforward, hands-on approach to kitchen television, rooted in food and fire. Hosted by Texas chef Sean Koehler, the series explores open-fire outdoor cooking techniques, regional ingredients, and the people who raise, prepare, and inspire the food found across America.
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
In the harsh Australian Outback, water drillers Danyelle and Anthony Haigh give up their nomadic life of searching for water for cattle ranches, to offer their two sons, Heath and Theo, a more settled life. They swap water drilling for something they’ve never done before – farming!
Analiese Gregory is taking one of the biggest risks of her life: she’s left her successful career as a restaurant chef and bought a century-old cottage at the bottom of the world, in pristine Tasmania, Australia. We share her journey of discovery as she gets under the skin of her new home – and learns to live seasonally off the land, by hunting, fishing, and foraging.
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.