General Advice About Flu Season
When is the 2024-2025 flu season expected to peak in the US?
In the United States, the flu season typically begins in October, with activity peaking between December and February, and can extend into May.
As of December 30, 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a significant increase in flu cases nationwide. Approximately 3.1 million people have contracted the flu, resulting in over 12,000 hospitalizations and around 1,500 deaths, including nine children. Notably, regions such as Tennessee, Oregon, Louisiana, and New York have experienced substantial outbreaks.
Given the current trajectory, flu activity is expected to remain high through the winter months. The CDC recommends that everyone aged six months and older receive a flu vaccination if they haven’t already, as vaccination remains the most effective means of protection against the flu.
In addition to vaccination, preventive measures such as frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and staying home when experiencing flu-like symptoms are advised to help reduce the spread of the virus.
What flu strains are circulating in the US this flu season?
As of December 30, 2024, the predominant influenza strains circulating in the United States are:
Influenza A(H1N1)
Influenza A(H3N2)
Influenza B/Victoria lineage
These strains are included in the 2024–2025 flu vaccines, which are trivalent, designed to protect against these three specific viruses.
How to protect yourself from the flu?
To protect yourself from the flu, consider the following measures:
Annual Vaccination: Everyone aged 6 months and older should receive a flu vaccine each year. Vaccination is the most effective way to reduce the risk of flu and its potentially serious complications.
Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid Close Contact: Maintain distance from individuals who are sick, and if you are ill, limit contact with others to prevent spreading the virus.
Respiratory Etiquette: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. If a tissue isn’t available, use the inside of your elbow.
Stay Home When Sick: If you experience flu-like symptoms, stay home from work or school to avoid transmitting the virus to others.
Clean and Disinfect: Regularly clean commonly touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, keyboards, and mobile devices, to reduce the spread of germs.
Implementing these preventive measures can significantly reduce your risk of contracting and spreading the flu.
Treating the flu.
Treating the flu primarily involves relieving symptoms, supporting the body’s recovery, and preventing complications. Here are the key steps to treat the flu effectively:
1. Rest and Hydration
Rest: Ensure you get plenty of sleep and avoid overexertion to allow your body to recover.
Hydration: Drink fluids like water, herbal teas, broths, or electrolyte solutions to stay hydrated and prevent dehydration.
2. Over-the-Counter Medications
Fever and Pain Relief: Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) to reduce fever, aches, and pains. Avoid giving aspirin to children due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.
Decongestants: These can help relieve nasal congestion. Use with caution and according to instructions, especially in children.
Cough Medicines: Use cough suppressants or expectorants as needed. Natural remedies like honey can also soothe a cough (not recommended for children under 1 year old).
3. Antiviral Medications
Prescription antivirals such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), or baloxavir (Xofluza) may be recommended, especially for high-risk individuals or those with severe symptoms.
When to Use: These are most effective when taken within 48 hours of symptom onset but can still be beneficial later in some cases.
4. Home Remedies
Steam Inhalation: Inhaling steam can help ease nasal congestion.
Saltwater Gargle: Gargling with warm salt water may soothe a sore throat.
Warm Compresses: Use a warm compress to relieve sinus pressure and headaches.
5. Monitor Symptoms
Keep an eye on symptoms to ensure they improve over time.
Seek medical attention if you experience:
Difficulty breathing
Chest pain
Persistent high fever
Severe weakness or confusion
Worsening symptoms after initial improvement
6. Avoid Spreading the Flu
Stay home until you are fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.
Practice good hygiene, including frequent handwashing and covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
7. Consult a Healthcare Provider
If you’re at higher risk of complications (e.g., pregnant women, young children, older adults, or those with chronic illnesses), contact your doctor for guidance.
How to protect yourself from flu complications during flu season?
Protecting yourself from flu complications involves taking preventive steps and managing flu symptoms carefully to reduce the risk of severe illness.
Here’s how:
1. Get Vaccinated
Annual Flu Vaccine: The flu vaccine is your best defense against severe flu and its complications. It is especially crucial for high-risk groups:
Older adults (65+)
Pregnant women
Young children (especially under 5 years old)
Individuals with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease
Immunocompromised individuals
Vaccination reduces the likelihood of complications like pneumonia or hospitalization.
2. Practice Good Hygiene
Wash Hands Frequently: Use soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if water isn’t available.
Avoid Touching Your Face: Germs can enter through your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Disinfect Surfaces: Clean high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, keyboards, and phones regularly.
3. Strengthen Your Immune System
Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to support overall health.
Exercise Regularly: Moderate physical activity can boost your immune system.
Get Adequate Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night to allow your body to recover and defend against infections.
4. Manage Chronic Conditions
If you have chronic health conditions, ensure they are well-managed. For example:
Asthma: Take prescribed inhalers and avoid flu triggers.
Diabetes: Maintain blood sugar control, as high levels can worsen flu complications.
Heart Disease: Follow your doctor’s recommendations to manage your condition effectively.
5. Recognize Early flu Symptoms
Treat flu symptoms promptly to prevent complications:
Fever, chills, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue.
Seek medical advice if symptoms worsen or persist.
6. Use Antiviral Medications When Needed
Prescribed Antivirals: Medications like oseltamivir (Tamiflu) can reduce the severity of the flu and the risk of complications if started early (within 48 hours of symptom onset).
7. Avoid Exposure
Stay away from sick individuals, especially in crowded or enclosed spaces.
If you’re sick, limit contact with others to prevent spreading the virus.
8. Stay Alert for Warning Signs
Complications can include pneumonia, bronchitis, or worsening of chronic conditions. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Persistent chest pain or pressure
Confusion or severe weakness
High fever that doesn’t respond to medication
Worsening symptoms after initial improvement
By taking these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of flu complications and improve your overall health during flu season.
When to seek medical help for flu complications.
It’s important to seek medical help promptly if you or someone you are caring for shows signs of flu complications. Early intervention can prevent severe outcomes. Here are the key situations where medical attention is necessary:
1. Difficulty Breathing
Shortness of breath
Rapid breathing
Wheezing or struggling to catch your breath
2. Chest Pain or Pressure
Persistent or worsening chest pain
Signs of a possible heart-related issue (e.g., radiating pain to the arms or jaw)
3. Severe or Persistent Fever
Higher fever – than 103°F (39.4°C) in adults
Fever lasting more than three days or returning after a fever-free period
Fever in infants under 3 months old (any fever in this age group requires immediate attention)
4. Confusion or Neurological Symptoms
Difficulty waking up or staying awake
Dizziness or fainting
Confusion or disorientation
Seizures
5. Severe Dehydration
Inability to drink fluids or keep them down
Signs of dehydration:
Dry mouth or minimal urine output
Dizziness when standing
Sunken eyes or extreme fatigue
6. Bluish Skin or Lips
Cyanosis (a bluish tint to the skin or lips) is a sign of oxygen deprivation and requires immediate care.
7. Worsening of Chronic Conditions
Exacerbation of conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or COPD.
8. Persistent or Worsening Symptoms
Cough or congestion that doesn’t improve or gets worse
Symptoms that return after initial improvement (secondary infections like pneumonia could be developing)
9. For Children
Fast breathing or difficulty breathing
Extreme irritability or inability to be comforted
Refusal to eat or drink
No tears when crying or significantly fewer wet diapers than usual
10. For High-Risk Individuals
Anyone at higher risk of complications (e.g., older adults, young children, pregnant individuals, or those with chronic health conditions) should seek care early if flu symptoms worsen or fail to improve.
When to Call 911
Severe difficulty breathing
Chest pain or pressure
Unresponsiveness or inability to wake up
Seizures
Any other life-threatening symptoms
General Advice
If you are unsure whether symptoms warrant medical attention, err on the side of caution and contact your healthcare provider. Early medical care can make a significant difference in managing flu complications.
