Every winter, influenza shows up in a familiar way: schools and workplaces see more absences, urgent care wait times climb, and many households cycle through coughs, fevers, and fatigue. That’s because flu season in the U.S. typically ramps up in fall and winter, with flu activity most often peaking between December and February — and historically, February is the most common peak month.
That timing matters. When we hit the “peak,” flu spreads more easily, more people are contagious at the same time, and the chance of bringing illness into your home, workplace, or social circle goes up. The good news: a few practical habits—done consistently—can make a real difference.
Flu Shots are Still Too Low, and Fewer Doses Have Been Given in Key Settings
As of early January 2026, CDC survey data show that 44.1% of adults have received a flu shot. That means more than half of adults are still unvaccinated during the heart of flu season.
At the same time, CDC’s weekly dashboard (based on claims data) indicates fewer flu vaccine doses have been administered to adults in retail pharmacies and physician medical offices compared with the same point last season. As of December 20, 2025, an estimated 33.2 million adult doses were given in pharmacies (about 1.8 million fewer than last season), and 18.3 million were given in medical offices (about 807,163 fewer). That’s roughly 2.6 million fewer doses in those two settings combined.
Bottom line: even with vaccination available in many convenient places, too many people remain unprotected—and that creates more opportunities for flu to spread and cause severe illness.
It’s Not Too Late to Get Vaccinated
CDC recommends annual flu vaccination for everyone ages 6 months and older who doesn’t have contraindications. And while the vaccine isn’t perfect, the CDC notes that even when circulating viruses differ from what’s expected, vaccination still helps protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
If you’ve been meaning to get a flu shot, this is your nudge: it can still help—especially for older adults, young children, pregnant people, and anyone with chronic medical conditions.
Common-Sense Ways to Prevent Flu (and Other Winter Respiratory Illnesses)
Think of flu prevention like layers. No single step is flawless, but stacking a few habits dramatically improves your odds.
1) Stay Home When You’re Sick
One of the most powerful ways to stop the spread is also the simplest: don’t share your germs. CDC advises returning to normal activities only when, for at least 24 hours, both are true:
-
Your symptoms are improving overall, and
-
You’ve had no fever without using fever-reducing medication.
2) Cover Coughs and Sneezes — and Consider a Mask in Crowded Indoor Spaces
Flu spreads mainly through respiratory droplets when people cough, sneeze, or talk. Covering your mouth and nose helps, and if you’re sick (or caring for someone who is), a well-fitting mask adds an extra layer that can reduce the spread to others.
3) Wash Hands Often — and Avoid Touching Your Face
Handwashing (or using alcohol-based sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available) reduces the risk of transferring germs from surfaces to your eyes, nose, or mouth.
4) Improve Indoor Air When Possible
Fresh air and cleaner air matter more than many people realize. CDC includes taking steps to improve air quality—bringing in outdoor air, using filtration, or choosing outdoor gatherings when practical—as part of efforts to reduce respiratory virus spread.
5) Clean “High-Touch” Surfaces During Illness Waves
Doorknobs, light switches, phones, remote controls, and countertops are constantly handled—especially in shared spaces. Regular cleaning during a household illness can help reduce spread.
6) Keep Your Body Resilient
Good sleep, hydration, nutritious food, and stress management won’t “block” flu on their own—but they support your immune system and recovery if you do get sick.
Know the Symptoms — and Act Early if You’re High-Risk
Flu often comes on suddenly. Common symptoms include fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, and fatigue (sometimes vomiting/diarrhea, more often in children).
If you’re in a group at higher risk for complications (including young children, adults 65+, pregnant people, and those with certain medical conditions), CDC recommends contacting a healthcare provider early if symptoms start—because antiviral medications work best when started within about 2 days of symptom onset.
When to Seek Urgent or Emergency Care
Most people recover at home, but the flu can become serious. CDC lists emergency warning signs that should prompt immediate medical attention. A few key examples include:
In adults: difficulty breathing/shortness of breath, chest or abdominal pain/pressure, confusion or inability to arouse, seizures, not urinating, severe weakness, or symptoms that improve then worsen.
In children: fast or troubled breathing, bluish lips/face, ribs pulling in with breaths, chest pain, dehydration, seizures, high fever not controlled by medicine, or symptoms that improve then worsen.
If you’re unsure, call your healthcare provider for guidance.
A Community Reminder from the Uncas Health District
Flu season peak is exactly when small choices add up: getting vaccinated, staying home when sick, and protecting others in shared indoor spaces. Whether you’re looking out for a newborn in the family, an older neighbor, a coworker with a chronic condition, or your own household, these steps help reduce the spread of flu and similar respiratory illnesses.
