Flu Facts

Every year, flu vaccination is recommended as one of the best ways to help protect against influenza and its potentially serious complications. Yet myths and misconceptions about the flu vaccine can make some people hesitant to get vaccinated. Understanding what the flu vaccine can—and cannot—do can help families make informed decisions about flu prevention. Let’s…

When one person in the household comes down with the flu, the rest of the family may immediately wonder: How do we keep everyone else from getting sick? Because influenza can spread easily between people, having a plan can help your household manage illness while reducing the risk of transmission. The most important steps include…

For many families, the start of the school year brings excitement, new routines, and opportunities for children to learn and grow. It also marks the beginning of increased exposure to seasonal illnesses, including influenza. Classrooms, daycare centers, and other group settings naturally create environments where respiratory viruses can spread quickly, making flu prevention an important…

Flu season affects millions of people each year, but not everyone faces the same level of risk. While many healthy individuals recover from influenza within a week or two, certain people are far more likely to experience serious complications, hospitalization, or even death. If you have a newborn, an older adult, a pregnant family member,…

Creating Healthy Habits at Home That Help Prevent the Flu Flu prevention starts with everyday choices. While no single habit can completely eliminate the risk of influenza, consistent healthy behaviors can help reduce the spread of germs and protect families throughout flu season. The habits children learn at home often become the habits they practice…

Coughing, sneezing, a sore throat, and a runny nose are common symptoms children experience throughout the school year. But when illness strikes, many parents wonder: Is this the flu, or is it just a common cold? While influenza and the common cold can share some symptoms, they are caused by different viruses and can affect…

As summer winds down and families prepare for a new school year, there is plenty to organize, new school supplies, updated schedules, after-school activities, and transportation plans. But one important item belongs on every family’s back-to-school checklist: preparing for flu season. When children return to classrooms, they spend more time in close contact with classmates,…

Flu season can place significant stress on families, especially when multiple household members become sick at the same time. While no strategy can completely eliminate the risk of illness, supporting a healthy immune system can help your body function at its best throughout the year. The months leading up to flu season provide an excellent…

Recovering from the flu can leave families feeling drained and eager to return to normal routines. Even after symptoms fade, it may take time for the body to fully regain strength. Rebuilding healthy habits gradually can help support recovery and strengthen your family’s overall well-being. Give the Body Time to Recover The flu places significant…

As flu season begins to taper off, many families breathe a sigh of relief. However, influenza viruses can continue circulating well into the spring months, and for people at higher risk of severe illness, the threat does not disappear overnight. Supporting vulnerable loved ones during this transitional period can make a meaningful difference in their…