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As soon as the cool weather of autumn arrives, Fever The weather – brings with it the familiar experiences of the sniffles, fever and cough.
every year, influenza – The Fever – Affects millions of people. Most people will experience the infection as a mild to moderate illness – but for some, it can be severe, potentially resulting in hospitalization and even death.
Although the start of flu season may seem routine, it’s important to remember that the virus changes every year, making annual vaccinations an important part of staying healthy.
What to expect this flu season?
public Health Experts are watching closely to see how this year’s flu season plays out. Early reports suggest the US may see moderate levels of flu cases, partly because flu activity was high last year and it is unusual to have two severe flu seasons in a row.
However, the US also uses data from the Southern Hemisphere’s first flu season, which lasted from April to October, to estimate what the season might look like. There, the flu season has been more severe than in previous years.
Overall, this means there could be a large number of flu cases in the US, especially among children, older adults and people with chronic health problems.
every year, flu vaccine Has been updated to best match the strains of influenza Expected to be broadcast. Because flu viruses mutate frequently, the effectiveness of the flu decreases vaccine May vary each year. However, when there is a match between seasonal flu and vaccine What is designed around this is not perfect, vaccination is the best defense against serious disease.
In the US, all flu vaccines for the 2025-2026 season will be trivalent, meaning they are designed to protect against three main groups of influenza virus strains. These are an A (H1N1) virus, an A (H3N2) virus and a B/Victoria virus.
Vaccine availability
Recent vaccine policy changes have created some confusion, particularly surrounding COVID-19 vaccines. Many people are wondering what is getting flu vaccine Has become more complex. The good news is that flu vaccines are widely available and accessible. Pharmacies, doctors’ offices, public health clinics and many workplaces are offering seasonal shots, often at little or no cost.
2025-2026 Flu vaccine now available. Manufacturers begin shipping vaccine doses in July and August to ensure access by September. Although public health experts won’t know the exact effectiveness of the flu vaccine until flu season is over, the flu vaccine usually cuts the chance of a visit to the doctor for the flu by about half.
About the author
Libby Richards has received funding from the American Nurses Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, and the Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute.
This article was originally published by Conversation And it is republished under a Creative Commons license. read the original article,
Vaccination helps reduce the severity of disease, the likelihood of hospitalization, and the spread of infection within our communities.
It is important to note that you can get the flu vaccine along with other vaccines, such as the COVID-19 vaccine or the RSV and pneumonia vaccines for older adults, without compromising effectiveness. If you are unsure which vaccines are right for you, your health care provider or pharmacist can help you decide based on your age and health condition.
Who should get the flu vaccine?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older get a flu vaccine every year, with rare exceptions. This is in line with guidelines from other organizations such as the American Association of Pediatrics.
flu symptoms
CDC
People who have the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:
- fever* or fever/chills
- cough
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
- muscle or body pain
- Headache
- tiredness (fatigue)
- Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, although this is more common in children than adults.
The flu vaccine is especially important:
- Adults 65 years of age and older
- Children under 5 years of age – and especially children under 2 years of age
- pregnant people
- People with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease
- Health care workers and caregivers
Even if you’re healthy and rarely get sick, getting vaccinated not only protects you, but also protects those around you, who may be more vulnerable.
Practical Prevention Tips
In addition to vaccination, everyday activities help reduce the spread of flu and other respiratory viruses:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes.
- Stay home if you are feeling unwell.
- Consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces during the peak Fever Activity, especially if you have a cough.
Even though flu season is a part of life, it doesn’t have to be a serious illness. By staying informed, getting vaccinated, and adopting healthy habits, everyone can play a role in keeping their community safe and healthy.
If you haven’t gotten your flu vaccine yet, now is the time to protect yourself and the people you care about this flu season.