About Flu

Flu is a respiratory virus that can cause serious illness or even death. Every year between October and May, you are at increased risk of catching the flu. The best way to reduce your risk from seasonal flu and its potentially serious complications is to get vaccinated every year. That’s because flu viruses are constantly changing, so flu vaccines may be updated from one season to the next to protect against the viruses that will be common during the upcoming flu season. Plus, your protection from a flu vaccine declines over time, so yearly vaccination is needed for the best protection.

Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every flu season, especially people at higher risk including people 65 years and older, adults with certain chronic health conditions, and pregnant women. Getting a flu vaccine prevents millions of illnesses and flu-related hospitalizations every year.

The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones against influenza (flu) is to get a flu vaccine every flu season.

Last Reviewed: October 24, 2023