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
As the new year begins, both farmers and rural families are taking stock of their finances and planning ahead for 2026.
Roger McEowen with the Washburn University School of Law joined us to provide legal insight and context on these issues facing agriculture. Today, he discusses pesticide litigation.
Sen. Deb Fischer reintroduces the HAULS Act to update hours-of-service exemptions and definitions affecting livestock and agricultural haulers. She joins us on Market Day Report to share more about her proposed legislation.
Last year was a busy year for pesticide litigation in the United States. At No. 10, it kicks off RFD-TV Legal Expert Roger McEowen’s list of the “Top 10” Agricultural Law and Tax Developments of 2025.
On a spreadsheet, it looks like the ultimate way to harvest extra profit. But in the eyes of the IRS—as RFD-TV Farm Legal & Tax Expert Roger McEowen explains—this “tax-free” bank can quickly turn into a field full of weeds.
Bigger cows must wean proportionally heavier calves to justify higher ownership costs.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Southern producers head into 2026 with thin margins, tighter credit, and rising agronomic risks despite scattered yield improvements.
Record yields and exceptionally low BCFM strengthen U.S. corn’s competitive position in global markets.
Raulston Acres Christmas Tree Farm in Rock Springs, Ga., has been in the same family for three generations.
Reed Marcum started hosting a toy drive in 2015. Since then, he has distributed thousands of toys across his home state of Oklahoma and in Texas and Arkansas. Now serving in the Army, Reed’s family and local 4-H chapter are running the event.
RFD-TV Farm Legal and Tax Expert Roger McEowen explains the basics of Low-Risk Credit in Farming, and how an understanding of the farm credit landscape lets producers tactfully approach debt.
More Shows
Circle Sessions offers a more personal look at country music’s leading artists, featuring intimate discussions and behind-the-scenes moments filmed in and around the Opry’s circle.
Opry Live is the premier weekly broadcast and livestream of the Grand Ole Opry, featuring country music superstars, legends, and rising talent performing on stage in Nashville.
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Griddle Nation is a celebration of griddle-loving home cooks across the nation.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
RFD News coverage of energy and fuel markets, including Brent crude oil, diesel, solar, wind, geothermal, and electrical power, and the latest policy updates on biofuel and ethanol.
Each spring, Rodeo Austin welcomes junior livestock exhibitors and horse show exhibitors to the annual Fair and Rodeo typically held in March. On average more than 9,000 exhibitors compete to enhance their agricultural education. Rodeo Austin is proud to provide these opportunities for youth to succeed.
It’s one of our favorite times of the year – Winter Stock Show Season! And to celebrate the hard work of the future of agriculture, we’re streaming live from some of the biggest livestock shows in Texas.
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.