Flu season in the United States can begin as early as October and can run as late as May. Especially for those in high-risk categories, it is advised that you get a flu vaccine in late summer or early autumn because it takes up to two weeks for your body to develop the necessary antibodies to fight off a flu virus.
Do I Need Any Other Vaccines?
Most people who are at an increased risk for flu are also at an increased risk for pneumococcal disease. Cancer patients and survivors, as well as other people who are living with compromised immune systems, should speak with their healthcare providers about the risks and benefits of pneumococcal shots in addition to their annual seasonal flu vaccine.
What Steps Can I Take to Avoid the Flu?
All people should practice good hygiene steps, especially during flu season, to minimize their risks of contracting contagious diseases. The most important preventative step you can take is immunizing yourself against the flu virus. In addition:
The CDC distributes a weekly “FluView” report that tracks reported cases of influenza across the United States. Subscribing to this report can give you good insight about when and if the flu has taken hold in your local community, so that you can take steps to minimize your exposure to large populations of potentially contagious people.
Take extra hygiene precautions during flu season: wash your hands often and well, especially when touching public surfaces where the flu virus may be lingering. If you don’t have ready access to soap and water, carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer and use it often to keep your hands virus-free. At home, especially if there are children in the house who may bring the virus home from schools or daycare centers, use commercial cleaners, such as Lysol, which may eradicate the flu virus from surfaces around the house.