Flu season has started a little bit early in the Washington, D.C. region, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What is considered "flu season" usually starts in October and peaks between December and February. Doctors recommend getting a flu shot in the second half of October to ensure protection during peak flu season. The vaccine can offer protection for four to six months in most people.
D.C. is already seeing an uptick in cases, particularly of Influenza A. However, scientists have also reported that the same thing happened in the Southern Hemisphere during their winter — and flu season wasn't so bad there.
"There, cases picked up a little earlier than usual in some countries but didn't result in an especially large number of hospitalizations and deaths, say public health experts and doctors," The Wall Street Journal reported.
While getting a vaccine is not a guarantee that a person won't get the flu (hand washing, staying away from sick people and other measures can help), the illness is usually much less severe in people who have been vaccinated.
Flu vaccines are readily available at most local pharmacies and doctors offices. Insurance will often cover the cost. RSV vaccines for those at risk and COVID-19 vaccines for people age 12 and older are also available.
