STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — If you haven’t yet prepared for flu season, now is the time to start.
Seasonal flu viruses are detected year-round in the United States, but the flu is most common during a certain time of the year — during flu season.
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It can cause mild to severe illness, and sometimes lead to death.
The illness is believed to be spread mainly by tiny droplets made when people with the flu cough, sneeze, or talk.
The CDC stated that the exact timing and duration of flu seasons may vary, but activity typically begins to increase in October.
Most of the time, flu activity peaks between December and February.
The overall health impact — such as infections, hospitalizations, and deaths — of flu varies season to season. The CDC collects, compiles, and analyzes information on flu activity year-round in the United States to produce FluView, a weekly surveillance report, and FluView Interactive, which allows for more in-depth exploration of flu surveillance data.
According to CDC data over the last 40 years, flu activity most often peaked in February, followed by December, January, and March.
Flu activity can last as late as May.
The CDC stated that the best way to prevent the flu is by getting a vaccine each year. It’s recommended to get the flu shot by the end of October.
People who have flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:
Fever or feeling feverish/chillsCoughSore throatRunny or stuffy noseMuscle or body achesHeadachesFatigue (tiredness)Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
It’s important to note, the CDC said, that not everyone who has the flu gets a fever.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.