“When does flu season start?”
seems to be the question of the season.
It’s shaping up to be a rough winter when it comes to the flu.
Well, unfortunately, its already here, and its shaping up to be a bit of a doozy.
Experts in This Article
infectious disease specialist
Spoiler alert: worrying isnt one of them.
Why is this years flu season expected to be worse than years past?
infectious disease specialist
While the world was combating COVID-19, the flu all but disappeared.
And then theres that reliable flu trendsetter, Australia.
The southern hemisphere just went through its winter flu season, and it was a whopper.
Australia just had a particularly bad flu season.
When does flu season usually start, and when will it peak in the U.S.?
We cant predict the future.
Its Amazing How Its All Connected.
In the U.S., October is when flu season traditionally starts and continues through May.
The peak month for flu is calculated annually, after the fact.
infectious disease specialist
Its based on the number of respiratory tests that come back positive for flu during flu season.
In years past, flu activity has peaked most often from December through February.
Given this years early surge, its possible the peak will come earlier than usual.
However, Dr. Amler warns that the flu is highly unpredictable.
Flu viruses change over time, so there are also multiple subtypes of each.
This years vaccine targets the predominant strains already seen circulating in the southern hemisphere.
Even if youve had the flu already this year, get vaccinated.
You may not be immune to other circulating strands, says Dr. Bailey.
Of course, some people are more vulnerable than others tosevere complications.
If that includes you, or others you care about, get the flu vaccine, says Dr. Amler.
Babies under six months old arent eligible for the flu shot.
If you have a little one in tow, rely on protective measures to keep them safe.
This includes keeping them away from sick people, and frequent hand washing.
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