Flu season is here, running generally six months from fall through early spring. Knowing flu season facts can guide health decisions for you and your family.
Basic Flu Facts
- Anyone, no matter the age, can get the flu virus.
- The flu is contagious and isn’t the same as a common cold.
- Flu viruses change over time and from season to season.
- Global travel affects how many people get the flu each year. With global travel restrictions during 2020, flu cases were down drastically with only 2,000 cases reported in the U.S., according to the CDC. As a comparison, 38 million contracted the flu during the 2019-2020 season.
- You can have the flu and Covid 19 at the same time.
- You can pass the flu to others before you know you’re sick or feel any symptoms.
- Handwashing is an easy, effective way to prevent the spread of germs and flu.
- Researchers and the World Health Organization study the dominant flu strains present each year across the globe. Vaccines are changed to protect against the current strains.
A Look at the Numbers
- It takes 2 weeks after getting the flu vaccine for your body to develop antibodies.
- A flu germ can survive on a surface for 48 hours.
- Flu droplets can travel 6 feet in the air.
- Symptoms appear anywhere from 1 to 4 days after the virus enters a body.
- The minimum age for a flu shot is 6 months old.
- A flu shot reduces the chance of getting the flu from 40-60%.
To stay safe through flu season, keep up to date on news and announcements regarding flu outbreaks near you. Your Conviva Primary Care team can answer your questions or concerns about flu vaccines, symptoms, and treatments. We’re dedicated to your wellness now and throughout the year.
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