When does Flu Season Start and End?

The flu season arrives every year, bringing a cold, cough, and fever. But do you ever wonder when the flu season starts and ends? Well, it entirely depends on the location you live. In case you’re in the US, flu season begins in October.

If you need to know the details about flu season, this blog can help you. We’ve explained the flu season months and many more things.

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When is flu season?

Flu season doesn’t adhere to a strict calendar but has a predictable pattern. Generally, flu season begins in the fall season and peaks in winter. However, the exact timing can vary yearly and from region to region.

According to the CDC, the burden of flu season was similar in 2022-2023 to what it had been in the years before the pandemic.

Fall Kick-off

Flu season generally starts as early as October in the United States. It is when the virus begins to circulate more widely in communities. In the Northern Hemisphere, where most of the world’s population resides, flu activity tends to pick up from October onward.

Winter Peak

The flu virus grows in cold and dry weather conditions, making winter the ideal playground for its spread. December and January are often the peak months for flu cases, and this is when healthcare facilities are busiest tending to flu-related illnesses.

Spring Wrap-Up

As winter gives way to spring, flu activity gradually decreases. By March or April, flu season typically winds down, but it can sometimes persist into May. The exact end date varies depending on the flu strain’s virulence and vaccination rates.

Flu Symptoms & Diagnosis

Recognizing the flu symptoms is crucial for early intervention and preventing its spread. Here’s what you should watch out for:

Common Symptoms

The flu shows many symptoms with the common cold but is usually more severe. Common flu symptoms include:

• Fever or feeling feverish/chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Fatigue
• Headache

Gastrointestinal symptoms

Some people with the flu may experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, although these are more common in children than adults.

Respiratory distress

In extreme cases, the flu can cause respiratory distress, especially in high-risk groups like elders, young children, and individuals with underlying health conditions. Watch for symptoms like shortness of breath, rapid breathing, or chest pain.

Diagnostic tests for flu

To confirm a flu diagnosis, doctors may use two main types of tests: molecular tests (PCR) and rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs). Molecular tests are more accurate but take longer to process, while RIDTs provide quick results but may need to be more accurate.

Flu treatment

Knowing how to manage the virus is essential if you or a loved one falls ill during flu season. Here’s what you need to know about flu treatment:

1. Rest and hydration

The most crucial aspect of managing the flu is plenty of rest and staying hydrated. Your body requires power to fight the virus, and fluids help prevent dehydration.

2. Antiviral medications

Doctors may recommend antiviral medications like zanamivir (Relenza)or oseltamivir (Tamiflu) to lessen the severity and duration of flu symptoms. These medications work best when started within 48 hours of symptom onset.

3. Over-the-counter remedies

Over-the-counter medications can help relieve specific flu symptoms. Pain relievers can reduce fever and ease body aches. Cough syrups and decongestants may help with respiratory symptoms.

4. Stay home

It is essential to stay home when you’re sick. Avoid close contact with others. Also, cover your mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, and wash your hands frequently.

Learn how to keep your home flu-proof?

5. High-risk groups

Some individuals are more susceptible to severe complications from the flu, such as pneumonia. If you or someone you know falls into a high-risk category (e.g., young children, pregnant women, older adults, or those with chronic medical conditions), seek medical attention promptly if flu symptoms appear.

6. Vaccination

Prevention is always better than treatment. A flu vaccine is the most effective way to protect yourself and others. The vaccine must match the most prevalent flu strains yearly, providing immunity against them.

Learn about Effectiveness of flu shot during flu season

Additional Considerations

Apart from the basic information mentioned above, here are some other points to consider regarding the flu:

1. Herd immunity:

When a considerable portion of the population is vaccinated, it helps protect those who cannot receive the vaccine, such as individuals with specific allergies or compromised immune systems.

2. Flu strain variability:

The flu virus is notorious for its ability to mutate. This is why scientists develop new flu vaccines annually to match the strains most likely to circulate during the upcoming season.

3. Travel considerations:

If you plan to travel during flu season, take extra precautions when in crowded places. It can increase your risk of exposure. Remember to pack hand sanitizer and practice good hygiene.

4. Schools and workplaces:

Flu outbreaks are common in schools and workplaces. If you or your child’s school reports a flu outbreak, follow their guidelines for prevention and containment.

Take care of yourself  this flu season!

Conclusion

The months of flu rely entirely on where you live. In the US, flu season starts in the fall and continues till spring. The CDC advises vaccine shots for everyone over six months old. Once you get vaccinated, your body takes around two weeks to produce the antibodies that will safeguard you during flu season. The fall season has started. If you have skipped your previous vaccination time, it is still helpful to get the vaccine now.

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FAQ’s

Q.1 Is the flu vaccine effective throughout the entire flu season?

Answer: The flu vaccine is typically effective throughout the flu season. However, its significance can vary depending on the match between the circulating flu strains and the vaccine.

Q.2 Can the flu season be predicted in advance?

Answer: Experts can predict when flu season will likely start and peak, but the exact timing and severity can vary yearly.

Q.3 Can you get the flu more than once in a season?

Answer: Yes, getting the flu more than once in a season is possible. It can happen because there are multiple strains of the flu virus, and the vaccine may not protect against them.