What you need to know about the upcoming flu season – including when to get your flu shot

With Labor Day officially in the rearview mirror and the return of the current school year, Americans will soon have to tackle the annual flu season preparation ritual.

Fall does not begin technically until two and a half weeks ago. But that does not mean that it's too early to start thinking about the 2018 flu season, including important issues like flu shots, season length and other vital information. especially after the season. Sudden influenza outbreak of 2017-2018. Here's what you need to know.

Can you catch the flu in September?

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So how long does the flu season last?

The most commonly accepted chronology of the flu season, when people are usually hospitalized for influenza and flu-like illnesses, lasts from October to late April / early May. The peak influenza season occurs most often between December and February, with February having the highest number of cases, according to CDC data. This trend is likely to be valid for the 2018 season as well.

When should you get a flu shot?

Given these realities, when should you be vaccinated against influenza? Public health officials say that all people 6 months of age or older should ideally receive an influenza vaccine before the end of October. It is best to get vaccinated sooner if possible. offers maximum protection and it is possible to get the flu before or during this period.

The CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that all adults and children (other than those who have flu shot allergies or other medical problems preventing them from being vaccinated) receive their vaccinations before the end from the month of October 2018.

Even if you can not get the flu shot, experts say it's never too late to get one at any time during the influenza season. better than nothing, and being immunized is just as important for protecting older people, children and people with weakened immune systems as it is for protecting themselves.

Some people, including the elderly, are being asked to get a high-dose flu shot, which may offer them more potent immunity.

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Are flu shots available?

Influenza vaccines will be available in almost every pharmacy chain during the month of September, including at popular retailers such as Walgreens and CVS, and are generally free if you have health coverage. Even without insurance, the flu vaccine can cost as little as $ 20 or $ 70, depending on the variety of vaccines and the place where you get it. You should check with your local pharmacy if they have already started offering the 2018 flu vaccine.

Regarding the effectiveness of this year's flu vaccine? This is a more delicate issue since vaccine manufacturers must essentially guess which strains will circulate in a given year. The effectiveness of the influenza vaccine generally ranges from 40% to 60%; we'll know more about how manufacturers did it in February.