Influenza Season

December 5th-11th was observed as National Influenza Vaccination Week. National Influenza Vaccination Week is an annual observance in December to remind everyone that there's still time for people 6 months and older to get vaccinated against the flu to be protected during the upcoming season.

Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at a higher risk of developing serious flu complications This includes people with certain chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease. According to the CDC, in past flu seasons, 9 out of 10 adults hospitalized for flu had at least one underlying medical condition.

Since flu viruses are constantly changing and protection from vaccination decreases over time, getting a flu vaccine every year is the best way to prevent the flu. ​Flu vaccines are the only vaccines that protect against influenza and are proven to reduce the risk of flu illness, hospitalization, and death.

Some flu symptoms to be aware of are:

fever* or feeling feverish/chill

cough

sore throat

runny or stuffy nose

muscle or body aches

headaches

fatigue (tiredness)

vomiting and diarrhea (this is more common in children than adults)

*It is important to note that not everyone with the flu will have a fever.