What to Know About This Year's Flu Season

In the United States, influenza (flu) season lasts from October through May, with peak flu activity between December and March.

What’s more, flu season in the Southern Hemisphere often indicates what’s to come in the United States. The 2026 season was notably milder than 2025’s record-breaking outbreak, with case counts about half as high. However, experts caution that a mild start doesn’t guarantee a mild finish, so vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent flu, especially severe disease and hospitalization.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that the flu caused between 9.4 million and 51 million illnesses annually between 2010 and 2025.

How to Stay Healthy

The flu can cause serious complications for people of any age, but children and older adults are especially vulnerable. To help keep your household healthy this flu season, consider these tips:

• Get the flu vaccine. Being vaccinated against the flu is your best chance of preventing the illness. The CDC recommends that anyone 6 months and older get a flu shot every year.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick and stay away from others when you feel unwell. Because flu, cold and COVID-19 symptoms are similar, doctors say it’s best to get tested to know what you have.
• Wash your hands often using soap and warm water to protect against germs. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cover your mouth and nose. Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow, and dispose of tissues immediately.
• Get seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night to boost your immune system.
• Exercise regularly to strengthen your body and make it more resilient against infections, including the flu.
• Stay hydrated and eat a nutritious diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables and fiber.

Experts recommend getting vaccinated against the flu by the end of October, so don’t delay. Contact your doctor to learn more about vaccines.

Download our October Live Well, Work Well newsletter to learn more!

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