Fall routine should include getting flu shot
As cool weather settles in, so does flu season – bringing with it the familiar experiences of sniffles, fever and cough. Influenza — the flu — affects millions of people each year. Most will experience the infection as a mild to moderate illness, but for some, it can be severe, potentially resulting in hospitalization and even death.
Flu season, which was particularly severe last year, typically runs from October to March but generally peaks around January or February. So now is the time to get your vaccinations before the onset of the holiday season.
The Franklin County Health Department offers flu shots on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 8 to 10 a.m. and from 1 to 4 p.m.
Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates about 1 million people were hospitalized with the flu last season, and there were up to 130,000 flu deaths, based on data from October 2024 through May 2025.
Flu vaccination rates for the 202425 season show about 47% of adults and 49% of children were vaccinated.
It’s important to remember that the virus changes every year, making annual vaccination an important part of staying healthy.
Influenza is a serious viral disease, but it is also preventable. Health experts advise getting vaccinated now to help prevent getting the flu or reducing the risk of serious complications for those who do get it.
In addition to the flu shot, there are other preventative measures against illness. We all know the drill — avoid close contact with people who are sick; cover your nose and mouth to cough or sneeze; wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with your hands; and clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs that cause sicknesses.
The CDC recommends staying home for at least 24 hours after a fever is gone — without the use of a fever-reducing medication — except to get medical care or other necessities.
Public health experts are closely watching how this year’s flu season unfolds. Early reports suggest that the U.S. may see a moderate level of flu cases, partly because last year’s flu activity was high and it’s uncommon to have two severe flu seasons in a row.
In the U.S., all flu vaccines for the 2025-26 season will be trivalent — which means they are formulated to protect against the three main groups of influenza virus strains. These are an A (H1N1) virus, an A (H3N2) virus and a B/Victoria virus.
The good news is that flu vaccines remain widely available and accessible. Pharmacies, doctors’ offices, public health clinics and many workplaces are offering seasonal shots, often at little or no cost.
Manufacturers start shipping vaccines doses in July and August to ensure access by September.
The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older receive the flu vaccine each year, with rare exceptions.
Even though flu season is part of life, serious illness doesn’t have to be. By staying informed, getting vaccinated and practicing healthy habits, everyone can play a role in keeping their communities safe and healthy.
If you haven’t gotten your flu shot yet, now’s the time to protect yourself, and those you care for, this flu season
