[By Kassandra Foley, MHA, MT(ASCP)cm, CIC, Regional Director for Infection Prevention & Control, St. Peter’s Health Partners and St. Joseph’s Health.]
The 2024-25 flu season was the highest severity flu season in more than a decade, with widespread influenza throughout the Northern Hemisphere that led to increased hospitalizations and deaths. Experts are already predicting this year’s flu season may be equally severe.
The influenza season generally starts in October and can stretch into May, with the peak months usually from December to February. Before influenza has the opportunity to gain a foothold, it is crucial to get your annual flu vaccine as soon as possible.
The flu can be exceptionally deadly. During the 2024-2025 season, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports there were approximately 47 million illnesses, 610,000 hospitalizations, and 27,000 deaths in the United States, including nearly 300 pediatric flu deaths.
Influenza is a viral respiratory infection. Antibiotics are not an effective treatment for the flu, as antibiotics treat bacterial infections, not viral infections.
Some tell-tale signs of the flu are:
- Sudden onset of illness;
- A fever over 101 degrees that lasts three to four days;
- Headache;
- Tiredness/weakness that can last from two to three weeks;
- Muscle aches and pains; and
- Chest discomfort
Hygiene is key to fighting the flu – you should wash your hands frequently, and be sure to cover your coughs and sneezes. And the best prevention against the flu is to get vaccinated.
The CDC recommends vaccination for everyone six months of age and older. Points to remember:
- Vaccines are safer and more effective today than ever before.
- The flu IS NOT CAUSED by the vaccine.
- It takes about two weeks for full protection to develop.
Remember that when you get vaccinated, you are not only protecting yourself, but also those who cannot receive the vaccine. There is a small group of people who should NOT receive a flu vaccine because of severe allergies or certain pre-existing conditions. Ask your doctor if there is any reason that you should not receive a flu shot.
It is important to note scientists put a great deal of energy every year into studying which strains will be most prominent. Though there are times where not every vaccine strain is a perfect match with the most prevalent strain in our region, it will nonetheless confer some degree of protection — and certainly, some protection beats none.
To learn more about influenza and how best to keep you and your loved ones healthy this upcoming flu season, visit https://www.cdc.gov/flu/.
