Top 5 Things to Know About the 2023 - 2024 Flu Season
Written by Lindsay Morrison, MD, MSCI
It’s that time of year again! Fall weather has started to arrive in much of the country and with it comes the slow but sure rise in the flu virus.
Here’s how to stay in the know about the flu and flu prevention.
#1 Influenza Peaks December through February
While the influenza virus can be spread throughout the year, the winter months see the highest numbers. This is the season when infection and transmission rates are the highest, meaning you are most likely to get sick during this time period.
#2 Influenza Can Cause a Range of Illness Which Can Be Severe
Influenza virus is the pathogen that causes the disease informally known as the flu. While influenza may cause no symptoms or flu symptoms may be very mild, the virus can cause severe illness leading to hospitalization and even death.
While data are still being collected, the current CDC estimates from the prior flu season (2022-2023) show that over 31 million people were infected with the virus. A staggering 360,000 people were hospitalized and 21,000 died from the virus, including 176 children.
Severe illness is most common in vulnerable populations, which include:
Children under the age of 2
People over the age of 65
People with weakened immune systems
Individuals with underlying lung disease, such as asthma or COPD
Individuals who are pregnant
People with other medical conditions include heart disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, as well as others.
#3 Vaccination Can Help Protect You and Your Loved Ones
The influenza vaccine typically ranges from 40-60% in its level of effectiveness in preventing infection with the influenza virus. While this may sound small, this represents a large infection reduction across populations. Even if you don’t have one of the conditions listed above, you probably know someone who does. If you are pregnant, the vaccine can protect you and also protect your infant in the first few months of life. Reducing your chances of getting the flu can help protect your loved ones as well.
Additionally influenza vaccination shines in its ability to protect against severe illness. Getting vaccinated reduces your chances of hospitalization. Of those hospitalized with the flu, data from 2021 demonstrate those who received the influenza vaccine were 31% less likely to die and 26% less likely to require intensive care than those who were hospitalized but unvaccinated.
Lindsay Morrison, MD, MSCI, cares for patients at Georgia Infectious Disease in Atlanta, Georgia.
#4 Anyone Over the Age of 6 Months* Is Eligible to Receive the Influenza Vaccine
Influenza vaccines are safe and recommended for a wide range of ages, especially those most vulnerable to severe illness. The influenza vaccine may make you feel tired or achy for the day after your vaccination. However, the vaccine cannot give you the flu as it does not contain a live virus. It’s important to remember that fact!
*An exception is for those individuals who are allergic to the vaccine or its components. Notably, those with an egg allergy can safely receive the influenza vaccine though egg-free vaccines are available. If you have ever had a syndrome called Guillain Barre, talk to your doctor before getting vaccinated.
#5 Simple Interventions Can Help Prevent Influenza Transmission
Influenza virus is spread by respiratory droplets which are released when you cough, speak, or sneeze. These fluids are also often transmitted by hands after sneezing or wiping your nose. To decrease the spread of the virus to others:
If you feel unwell or become sick avoid contact with others to avoid transmission.
Cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing and wash your hands frequently These simple interventions can reduce transmission of influenza.
**Note, influenza can be transmitted even before flu symptoms appear so get into the habit of good respiratory and hand hygiene.
Vaccination reduces the risk that you will get the infection and pass it to others.
Vaccine uptake in the 2022-2023 season was lowest in the 18-65 age group which includes generation Y, aka Millennials. Let’s stay safe and healthy this season!
To learn more about who is at risk for the flu, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/index.htm
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