From the Guidelines
Flu season is not completely over for this year, though it is winding down in most parts of the United States and Northern Hemisphere as we move into spring. Influenza activity typically peaks between December and February but can extend into May 1. Even as cases decline, you should still take precautions if flu is circulating in your community. Continue practicing good hand hygiene, stay home when sick, and consider wearing a mask in crowded settings if you're at high risk for complications. It's not too late to get a flu vaccine if you haven't already, as it provides protection against common circulating strains. The timing of flu season varies geographically and can change year to year due to viral mutations and climate factors. Local public health departments provide the most accurate information about current flu activity in specific regions, so checking their updates can help you make informed decisions about prevention measures.
Some key points to consider:
- Influenza viruses can begin to circulate in early fall (October) and continue to late spring (May or later) 1
- The optimal time to vaccinate cannot be predicted precisely because influenza seasons vary in timing and duration 1
- Vaccination efforts should continue throughout the season, because the duration of the influenza season varies, and influenza might not appear in certain communities until February or March 1
- Vaccine administered in December or later, even if influenza activity has already begun, is likely to be beneficial in the majority of influenza seasons 1
Overall, while flu season may be winding down, it's still important to take precautions and consider getting vaccinated if you haven't already, as the timing of flu season can vary and vaccination can provide protection against common circulating strains.
From the Research
Determining the End of Flu Season
- The provided studies do not directly indicate when the current flu season is over, as they focus on the prevention and treatment of influenza rather than providing real-time updates on the current flu season 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, according to the study published in 2019, seasonal influenza in the United States typically occurs from fall to early spring 2.
- The 2021 study on the prevention and control of seasonal influenza with vaccines recommends routine annual influenza vaccination for all persons aged ≥6 months who do not have contraindications, but does not provide information on the end of the current flu season 5.
- Another study from 2021 discusses the impact of immunization and oseltamivir on influenza-related hospitalizations, but also does not provide information on when the current flu season is over 6.
- The study from 2011 on oseltamivir, zanamivir, and amantadine in the prevention of influenza provides information on the efficacy of these drugs in preventing influenza, but does not discuss the current flu season 4.
- The study from 2001 on zanamivir and oseltamivir discusses the treatment and prevention of influenza A and B, but does not provide information on the current flu season 3.