When is Flu Season?

In this article we will discuss the flu and its symptoms, when is flu season, as well as different ways to prevent the flu.

Share This Post

The flu is a highly contagious virus that affects the respiratory system. It is most commonly spread through coughing and sneezing and can cause fever, body aches, and congestion.

Flu season typically runs from October to May, but the dates can vary from season to season depending on the region and other factors.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) monitors flu cases throughout the country and provides updates on when and where outbreaks are occurring.

In this article we will discuss the flu and its symptoms, when is flu season, as well as different ways to prevent the flu.

What is the flu?

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses and it can cause mild to severe illness and even death.

It can infect the nose, lungs, and throat and often comes on suddenly with the onset of symptoms coming in hours.

The flu is different from the common cold, which tends to come on gradually and has less severe symptoms.

The flu is typically spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes and respiratory droplets containing the virus are expelled into the air and can be inhaled by another person.

Another way the flu is also spread is when a person touches a surface that has been contaminated with the virus and then touches their own mouth, nose, or eyes.

According to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases, an average of 8% of people in the United States contract the flu every year with children being the most likely to get it although the numbers can vary.

CDC Infographic about the FLU
CDC Infographic about the FLU

What are the symptoms of the flu?

Flu symptoms typically take one to four days to develop after a person has been infected and symptoms typically last up to five to seven after first showing symptoms although it can be longer.

The most common symptoms of the flu include:

You may also experience vomiting and diarrhea when you have the flu although it is more common in children than in adults.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor as soon as possible as the flu can lead to serious complications, particularly in young children, pregnant women, seniors, and if you have underlying medical conditions.

What is flu season?

You can get the flu year-round, however, there is a period in the fall and winter when there is peak flu activity compared to the rest of the year and this is called flu season.

The reason it peaks in the colder months is that the weather is conducive to the virus surviving and spreading and the fact our nasal passages are drier due to the dry air which also helps it spread.

Also, you are more likely to be indoors around other people during these months which makes it easier to spread from person to person.

The typical flu season begins in October and peaks between December and February but it can last as late as May in the northern hemisphere although the dates can vary from year to year.

The dates for the flu season are monitored by the CDC which tracks when cases of the flu start to increase and when they start to decrease.

When is Flu Season? 

What are the treatment options for the flu?

The CDC recommends antiviral drugs to treat the flu infection if you have it. Antiviral drugs work by attacking the influenza virus and can make symptoms milder and shorten the duration of the illness. These drugs are most effective with prompt treatment when taken within 48 hours of when your symptoms start but they can still be helpful if taken after that time frame. There are four antiviral treatment options that have been approved by the FDA to treat the flu during the current flu season:

  • Oseltamivir (Tamiflu and it is also available in a generic version too)
  • Zanamivir (Relenza)
  • Peramivir (Rapivab)
  • Baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza)

You can talk to your doctor or health care provider about which of these antiviral drugs is right for you.

Do the dates of the flu season change every year?

The dates for the flu season can change from year to year and are typically monitored by the CDC.

The reason the dates can change is that the weather patterns can be different from year to year which can impact when the flu season begins and ends, variances between regions, and other factors such as more of the population wearing masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.

How does the CDC monitor flu cases?

The CDC monitors influenza activity by tracking when cases of the flu and they track flu activity year-round.

They do this through a surveillance system that includes sentinel providers, state and local health departments, clinical laboratories, and other partners.

The sentinel providers are a group of doctors and nurses who report flu activity in their area to the CDC.

The state and local health departments track the number of people who have gone to the doctor with a flu-like illness or flu hospitalizations and they also track laboratory data on the types of flu viruses that are circulating.

All of this information is then reported to the CDC which uses it to monitor flu activity and make recommendations on when the flu season begins and ends.

They also produce a weekly summary report called the “Weekly U.S. Influenza Summary Update” but the numbers taken are from two weeks prior as it takes roughly a week to compile the report.

Are there ways to prevent the flu?

Yes, there are a few things you can do to help prevent the spread of the flu:

  • Get a flu vaccination each year
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
  • Stay away from people who are sick
  • Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands)
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus
  • If you are sick, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine

All seasonal flu vaccines are quadrivalent vaccines, meaning they protect against four different flu viruses, two influenza A viruses and two influenza B viruses.

The composition of the flu vaccine is reviewed each year and may be updated by vaccine providers based on which dominant strain is circulating and how well they match the flu strains in the vaccine.

Also, take any prescription medications to treat the flu as directed to help treat the flu and lessen any symptoms you may experience.

Taking your medications as prescribed if you are an at-risk individual with underlying chronic health conditions lowers your risk for hospitalization and could be the difference between mild symptoms and severe symptoms that require a hospital stay.

Summary

Flu season typically begins in October and ends in May with peak activity occurring between December and February although the dates can change from year to year based on a variety of factors.

Antiviral drugs are the most effective when taken within 48 hours of when your symptoms start but they can still be helpful if taken after that time frame.

There are four different types of flu vaccines that are quadrivalent and protect against four different respiratory viruses that are different strains of the flu.

You should get a flu vaccine every year to help prevent getting the flu and mitigate any symptoms if you get it.

You can help prevent the spread of the flu by getting a flu vaccine, washing your hands often, avoiding touching your face, staying away from people who are sick, covering any cough or sneeze, and cleaning contaminated surfaces.

If you do get the flu, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine and take any prescribed medications as directed.

If you have any more questions about the flu or flu season, please talk to your doctor or health care provider.

Research, Studies, and Sources:

Clinical Infectious Diseases 

CDC

GoodRx Health 

medically reviewed and fact checked

We are committed to providing our readers with only trusted resources and science-based studies with regards to medication and health information. 

Disclaimer: This general information is not intended to diagnose any medical condition or to replace your healthcare professional. If you suspect medical problems or need medical help or advice, please talk with your healthcare professional.

Share This Post

Popular Destinations

Recent Articles

What is Oseltamivir?

Individuals who belong to high-risk categories, like being in the age group above 65, young children, or pregnant women may need to seek medical care. Anti-viral drugs that target the influenza virus are usually prescribed in these cases and to otherwise healthy individuals that may experience severe symptoms. One of the major drugs that is prescribed for an Influenza infection is oseltamivir, also known as the brand name Tamiflu. 

Read More »

What is Oseltamivir Used For?

What is Oseltamivir? Oseltamivir, or Tamiflu, is an anti-Influenza drug that is in very high demand during the flu season. Although the drug can be quite expensive and can cost up to $100 for a course, the drug is extremely popular in treating the flu. The drug is so popular that in December 2019, there was speculation that it may be made available over-the-counter at some point in the future.

Read More »
a woman sneezing with the flu

What Is the First Sign of the Flu?

It’s that time of year again, and before you know it, you find yourself calling into work because you woke up feeling sick. The trouble is, you’re not exactly sure what it is that you’re sick with just based on the early signs, so you aren’t sure how to treat it. Is it the common cold, and you’ll feel better in a few days, or is it the flu, and you’re only making the situation worse by not going to the doctor right away? The early symptoms of the flu can often be similar to those of the common cold, so it is easy to get confused. What is the first sign of the flu and what should you do if you think you’ve got it?

Read More »

Share On:

More To Explore

What is Oseltamivir?

Individuals who belong to high-risk categories, like being in the age group above 65, young children, or pregnant women may need to seek medical

What is Oseltamivir Used For?

What is Oseltamivir? Oseltamivir, or Tamiflu, is an anti-Influenza drug that is in very high demand during the flu season. Although the drug can

What Is the First Sign of the Flu?

It’s that time of year again, and before you know it, you find yourself calling into work because you woke up feeling sick. The

Common Side Effects of Oseltamivir

Oseltamivir, also known as the brand Tamiflu marketed by pharma giant Roche, is one of the most commonly prescribed anti-viral drugs prescribed for this

What is Augmentin Used For?

The human body naturally contains trillions of bacteria that perform functions in our body that are good for us. An example of this is

When are you no longer contagious with the flu?

In this article, we will answer all those questions and discuss what the flu is, its symptoms, and how it is spread. We will

How Long is the Flu Contagious?

In this article, we will answer some common questions about the flu including how long you are contagious, review the best treatment options available,

How Effective is the Flu Vaccine Every Year?

In this article, we will explore how data is collected to track a flu vaccine's effectiveness and the benefits of flu vaccination even if

What is Influenza B and How is It Different From Other Forms of the Flu?

In this article, we will discuss what influenza B is, how it is different from other forms of the flu, and how to protect

Augmentin Side Effects: What You Should Know

One of the hardest decisions people struggle with when they get sick is when to visit the doctor. This is especially true during fall

How Long Do the Symptoms of the Flu Last?

In this article, we will answer how long flu symptoms last while also providing information on how to treat the flu and how to

How Long Does Stomach Flu Last and What Are the Treatment Options

In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about stomach flu, how to treat it, and how to prevent getting it.

What is Augmentin?

What is Augmentin and what is it used for? Keep reading for more details.

Is Azithromycin a Penicillin?

Penicillin was originally used to describe the drug benzylpenicillin, or Penicillin G. Now, it is used to describe a group of antibiotics that all

Examining Mortality Rates of the Flu and COVID-19

In this article, we will explore all of the important information about both viruses including how they spread, symptoms, treatment, and mortality rate, and

Everything You Need to Know About the Flu Vaccine: FAQs

In this article, we will answer all of your questions about the flu vaccine and cover everything from what the flu is, when is

The Flu in Children: What You Need to Know

In this article, we will provide information on the flu in children, including how it spreads, what are the complications, and when you need

When Does Flu Season Start?

In this article, we will answer all of your questions about flu season including when it is, how the data is collected and monitored,

Why you need a flu vaccine this year

The flu can cause a host of severe symptoms and medical complications. Flu shots are now more accessible than ever. It’s essential to get the

How Does the Flu Spread?

In this article, we will discuss how the flu spreads and how to protect yourself from it.

How long does a cold last: Expected time line and tips for how to get better

The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is another common cold virus, and the remainder of colds are caused by less common viruses you probably have

How Long Does the Common Cold Last?

When we talk about the common cold, we’re referring to a specific group of symptoms that typically include a runny nose and congestion, among

Where Can I Buy Azithromycin? (2023)

Most people who develop symptoms of a cough or cold look for medications that will help them feel better as quickly as possible. Usually,

What are the Best Treatment Options for the Flu?

In this article, we will discuss the different treatment options for the flu, when you need to see your doctor, and how long you

What is the Incubation Period for the Flu?

In addition to the incubation period and treatment options, we will discuss how the flu spreads, its symptoms, and provide you with tips on

Can You Take Augmentin and Alcohol Together? (2023)

Augmentin is a commonly prescribed antibiotic. If prescribed, make sure you understand the effects of Augmentin and alcohol together. Read on for details.

How Much Does Tamiflu Cost?

With everyone desperate to reduce the time that they spend sick and keep symptom severity to a minimum, drugs like Tamiflu that promise to