CDC Warns Flu Season Could be Rough

Flu season has officially arrived and officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say this could be a "potentially severe" one.

During the last two years, health officials were concerned about a "twindemic," with COVID-19 cases still on the rise as flu season arrived.  As it turned out, flu cases weren't as bad as originally expected.  The CDC attributes the better-than-expected numbers to people still wearing masks and social distancing requirements still in place.

Those requirements are not in place this year, however, leading experts to predict higher numbers of flu cases.  School systems across the state are already reporting an increase in flu-like illnesses and respiratory illnesses.

The CDC says this is the time to get a flu shot to protect against what is predicted to be a severe flu season.  It generally peaks between December and February and can last through the end of May.  Keep in mind the flu vaccine doesn't fully take effect for two weeks after it's administered.

While you're getting a flu shot, the CDC also recommends you get an updated COVID-19 booster to offer better protection against the BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants.

The CDC recommends that those 6 months and older get a flu shot every season, with rare exceptions.  Everyone who is vaccinated should receive a flu vaccine that is appropriate for their age and health status.  For those younger than 65, there is no preference for any one vaccine over another.