The Conversation: How Long Is Flu Season

Saturday, November 20, 2021

How Long Is Flu Season

Flu season generally peaks between December and February and can sometimes stretch into May says the. Cold dry air helps to preserve the virus During cold weather we spend more time indoors with other people.

Google S Data Shows That This Year S Flu Season Is The Worst In A Long Time The Atlantic

Generally December through February is considered flu season But influenza activity often begins to increase as early as October and November according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and while it peaks between December and February it can last as late as May.

How long is flu season. During the 2019-20 flu season. Typically flu season can start as early as October. December followed February with the highest flu.

This is the highest number of pediatric flu deaths reported during a regular flu season. June 20 2019 100 PM EDT T he 2018-2019 flu season may not have been as severe as the one that came before it but it set a record of its own. Seasonal flu viruses can be detected year-round.

CDC has worked with vaccine manufacturers to have extra flu vaccine available and a record number of flu vaccine doses has been distributed in the US. The timing of flu is unpredictable and can vary in different parts of the country and from season to season. However seasonal flu activity often begins as early as October and November and can continue to occur as late as May.

In the United States flu season occurs in the fall and winter. Flu is a common infectious viral illness spread by coughs and sneezes. It can be very unpleasant but youll usually begin to feel better within about a week.

February was the peak month for flu activity in 14 of the 34 flu seasons making it the most common month for peak flu. The CDC reports that 198 children died due to flu and its complications. Here is a breakdown of the peak months of flu activity over a 34-year period between 1982 and 2016.

While influenza viruses circulate year-round most of the time flu activity peaks between December and February but activity can last as late as May. Its thought that the flu is more common in colder months for two reasons. While seasonal influenza outbreaks can happen as early as October influenza activity most often peaks in January or later.

Visit CDCs FluView to monitor flu activity and related hospitalizations and deaths in the US. Make plans to get vaccinated early in fall before flu season begins. Most of the time influenza infections begin to increase in.

Although you can get the flu anytime flu season starts in October and can go as late as March and even April. Getting vaccinated in July or August is too early especially for older people because of the likelihood of reduced protection against flu infection later in the flu season. However as long as flu viruses are circulating vaccination should continue even in January or later.

The CDC also reports that one child has died due to flu and its complications so far this season. It can be very unpleasant but youll usually begin to feel better within about a week. But while COVID-19 precautions may be beneficial this flu season you still need a flu shot.

An uncomplicated influenza infection will last from three to seven days in most people including children. However a cough and feelings of weakness. CDC recommends that people get a flu vaccine by the end of October.

This is why people often get their flu vaccine between October and November. 2020-2021 Flu Season Because of the COVID-19 pandemic reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses like flu this winter is more important than ever. When those numbers remain elevated for a few consecutive weeks its considered flu season.

When does flu season begin and end. While its possible to get the flu year-round most people get sick in the fall and winter. Vaccination should continue to be offered throughout the flu season even into.

It can last until May depending on the strain and how fast it. September and October are good times to get vaccinated. The overall health impact eg infections hospitalizations and deaths of a flu season varies from season to season.

Flu season generally starts in October and goes into May. However getting vaccinated early for example in July or August is likely to be associated with reduced protection against flu infection later in the flu season particularly among older adults.

2019 2020 Flu Season On Track To Be Especially Severe Time