Flu Season Is Here

Flu season is here!
Although you can get the flu anytime, flu season starts in October and can go as late as March and even April. In the U.S., it usually peaks in February, says William Schaffner, MD, medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It mildly affects most people, but for older adults, younger children, pregnant women, and those with some chronic medical conditions, it can cause serious illness and death.
Influenza viruses can be classified into four main types: A, B, C and D. Human influenza A and B viruses are typically responsible for seasonal epidemics of disease in the United States (US). Influenza type C can cause mild respiratory illnesses and D primarily affects cattle.
The 2018-2019 influenza season in the US was of moderate severity and lasted for 21 consecutive weeks, making it the longest season in over a decade. It differed from previous years in that there were two waves of Influenza A activity with two different subtypes, but of similar magnitude: A (H1N1) predominated from October 2018 to mid-February 2019, and A (H3N2) activity increased from February through mid-May.
Flu symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, runny nose, headaches and fatigue. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children. The best way to prevent flu is to vaccinate, however, duration and severity can be decreased by treatment with antiviral medication when indicated.
The Presidential Healthcare Center offers the new Quadrivalent Influenza vaccine for those under 65 years of age, and a High Dose version for older patients. All vaccines are without preservatives and stored in a special vaccine refrigerator. Your flu shot is included in your annual executive physical.

Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/spotlights/2019-2020/get-vaccinated-fightflu.htm
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/all-about-flu-and-how-prevent-it
Department of Health notice