Flu Season is Here: Learn How to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year.

Influenza, also called flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year.

Every year in the United States, on average:

• 5% to 20% of the population get the flu;
• More than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, including 20,000 children; and
• About 36,000 people die from flu.

Preventing Flu: Get Vaccinated

The single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year. October through December is the best time to get vaccinated, but getting vaccinated later in the flu season still provides protection, as flu season normally peaks in January or later.

For more about preventing the flu, see the following:

• Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine (Key Facts in Spanish)
• Good Health Habits for Prevention

Who Should Get Vaccinated

In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can and should get vaccinated every year. Annual vaccination is especially important for people at high risk of having serious flu-related complications, or people who live with or care for high-risk individuals.

• People who should get vaccinated each year are:
  • Children 6 months through 18 years of age,
  • Pregnant women,
  • People 50 years of age and older,
  • People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions, and
  • People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.
• People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
  • Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu (see above),
  • Household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated), and
  • Healthcare workers.

Symptoms of Flu

Symptoms of flu can include:

• Fever (usually high)
• Headache
• Extreme tiredness
• Dry cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle aches
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (more common in children than adults)

Complications of Flu

Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.

How Flu Spreads

Flu viruses spread from person to person mainly when infected individuals cough or sneeze. Sometimes people might become infected by touching an object with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Most healthy adults can infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 days after becoming sick. That means you might be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.