With the holiday season quickly approaching, health officials are reminding the public that flu season is also on its way. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), February is historically the peak month for flu activity, making now the ideal time to take preventive measures.
Dr. Matthew Heller, an associate professor of family medicine at New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, strongly recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months receive the flu vaccine annually. "Always talk to your physician about potential exceptions and find out whether the flu vaccine is appropriate for you," advises Heller.
The flu vaccine works by stimulating the body to develop antibodies that provide protection against the influenza virus. Even in seasons when the vaccine is less effective due to virus mutations, it still offers significant benefits. Vaccination has been shown to protect against hospitalizations and deaths and reduces the risk of influenza-associated outpatient healthcare visits across all age groups. Importantly, Heller emphasizes that the way flu vaccines are developed makes it impossible for them to cause the flu itself.
Getting vaccinated early is crucial because it takes about two weeks for the body to build full protection after receiving the shot. As the flu virus spreads easily from person to person, vaccination not only safeguards the individual but also helps protect those around them, including vulnerable populations such as the elderly and young children.
Flu symptoms typically include fever, chills, body aches, cough, headache, and fatigue. People often become contagious a few days before symptoms appear and can spread the virus to others for up to a week. While most healthy individuals can recover at home with rest and fluids, those in high-risk groups—such as adults aged 65 and older, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic health conditions—should contact a physician if they suspect they have the flu.
In addition to vaccination, Heller suggests several everyday actions to reduce the risk of infection: frequent hand washing, using hand sanitizer, sanitizing high-traffic surfaces like doorknobs and light switches, avoiding touching the face, steering clear of large crowds when possible, and sneezing into a tissue or the elbow rather than the hands.
As a physician, Heller stresses the importance of staying informed about the current flu season's impact. "The flu spreads easily from person to person," he says. "Remember that getting the flu vaccine will not only protect you but will also protect all those around you. By setting the example, others will follow."
Dr. Heller is among many faculty members at New York Institute of Technology who contribute their expertise to address real-world health challenges. For more information on flu prevention and other health topics, visit the university's website at nyit.edu.
