WASHINGTON — The holiday season is almost here, which means cold and flu season has already arrived.
The CDC says flu season timing varies, but cases can begin popping up in October.
Flu cases are for the most part still low or minimal across the US. In our area, the case numbers are considered "minimal" in Maryland, "low" in Virginia, and are creeping into "moderate" range in Washington DC.
That means now is the time to get the shot in order for it to start working by the holidays. Most medical sources agree it takes ten to fourteen days for the influenza vaccine to start working in the body, so the best protected Thanksgiving guests will be the ones who’ve already gotten this season’s flu shot.
You can find a flu shot provider near you on the Vaccines.gov website.
However, if you can't get a vaccine until later, medical experts say it's still a good idea. Flu season lasts through early spring: and CDC data shows the season tends to peak in February and December.
The DC Department of Health shares the following tips for preventing flu's spread:
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible with others to keep from infecting them.
- If you are sick with flu-like illness, please stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone (without the use of fever-reducing medications) except to get medical care or for other necessities.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.