Next Tuesday, Oct. 1, marks the official start of the influenza (flu) season in the United States. While flu viruses can circulate year-round, flu activity typically increases in October and usually peaks between December and February.
The flu is very contagious and can be transmitted to others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five to seven days after the illness begins. It is also important to note that it takes about two weeks after vaccination for the antibodies to develop in the body. Getting vaccinated is the best and most important step you can take to help prevent the spread of the flu and to reduce the severity of illness if you do get sick, and doing so in October means you’re covered for the flu season.
Millions of people get the flu every year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hundreds of thousands of people are hospitalized and tens of thousands of people die from flu-related causes every year. That’s why the CDC recommends everyone 6 months of age and older get the flu vaccine by the end of October to ensure protection. Vaccination is particularly important for those who are at high risk of developing flu-related complications, including:
- Adults 65 years and older
- Pregnant women
- Residents in nursing homes and long-term care facilities
- Children younger than 5, but especially younger than 2 years of age
- People who have medical conditions like asthma, heart disease, chronic lung diseases and weakened immune systems, for example
Influenza affects people differently, so while some people may experience a few days of feeling bad and missing work or school, others can end up with complications from the flu like bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections or the worsening of chronic medical conditions like congestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes. Getting an annual vaccine helps reduce your risk of complications from the flu.
Other seasonal illnesses tend to rise this time of year, like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19, so you can talk to your doctor or healthcare clinician about getting vaccinated against these viruses, too.