As the holiday season approaches, so does the annual flu season, a time when viral respiratory illnesses spread rapidly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, February historically marks the peak of flu activity. To reduce the risk of contracting the flu, experts like Dr. Matthew Heller, an associate professor of family medicine at New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, recommend getting a flu shot. “Anyone over the age of 6 months old should be vaccinated annually,” Heller advises, though he stresses that individuals should consult their physicians about potential exceptions.
The flu vaccine works by stimulating the body to develop antibodies that provide protection against the flu-causing virus. Even in seasons when the vaccine is less effective due to virus mutations, vaccination significantly reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths. Importantly, Heller emphasizes that the way flu vaccines are developed makes them unable to cause the flu itself. However, it takes about two weeks for the body to build full protection after vaccination, so being proactive is crucial.
Flu symptoms, which include fever, chills, body aches, cough, headache, and fatigue, typically appear a few days after exposure and can last about a week. While most people can recover at home with rest and fluids, those in high-risk groups—such as adults over 65, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic health conditions—should contact a physician if they suspect they have the flu.
Beyond vaccination, Heller recommends frequent hand washing, using hand sanitizer, sanitizing high-traffic surfaces, avoiding touching the face, staying away from large crowds, and sneezing into a tissue or elbow. “The flu spreads easily from person to person,” Heller says. “Remember that getting the flu vaccine will not only protect you but will also protect all those around you. By setting the example, others will follow.”
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