Nobody wants to get sick with flu, but not everyone does all that they can to prevent it. Flu vaccination is the most effective way of protecting against flu infections. Remember that it’s never too late to get your flu shot. You’re not in the clear and you haven’t missed your opportunity, even if peak flu season is over.
When is flu season?
“Flu season” is the period in which we see the most flu activity. Flu spreads in every state every year, and it’s not possible to predict exactly how each flu season will play out. The time of year that flu season occurs, and the severity of flu outbreaks, vary each year.
Generally speaking, however, flu season typically starts around October and November, peaks December through February, and can last until May.
Ideally, you want to vaccinate against flu viruses before they begin spreading in your community. The CDC recommends people vaccinate in October, but that does not mean that it’s too late to get a flu shot if you miss that window.
Vaccinating at any point is beneficial and can help prevent the spread of flu viruses.
You can check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s weekly U.S. flu map to keep up with flu activity in your area.
Flu shots are important
You can benefit from flu shots even after flu season. Flu season is the time when flu outbreaks are most common, but you can be infected by flu viruses at any time of the year.
Getting a flu shot helps keep you, your family, and the people around you safe and healthy. Flu shots significantly lower your chances of getting the flu, and may lessen your illness if you do get sick with flu.
Certain people – including babies, young children, older adults, and those with chronic health conditions – are more susceptible to flu virus.
MANA clinics offer flu shots at several locations in Northwest Arkansas.