Flu Season 2022-2023: What to Expect
Posted on November 28, 2022
According to the CDC, early increases in seasonal influenza activity have been reported already in most of the United States, particularly in the southeast and south-central areas of the country. With the 2022-2023 flu season already underway, here’s what you can expect – and how to take the best measures to prevent the flu.
- Between 2010 and 2020, the CDC estimates that influenza resulted in:
- 9 Million – 41 Million Illnesses
- 140,000 – 710,000 Hospitalizations
- 12,000 – 52,000 Deaths Annually
While everyone is susceptible to the flu, it is especially dangerous for the following people:
- Children Younger than Five; Especially those Younger than Two
- Adults 65 Years of Age and Older
- Pregnant Women and Women up to 2 Weeks Postpartum
- People of all Ages with Health Conditions
As we move more into the season, there are measures you can take to lower your risk of developing flu or flu complications. These include:
Annual Flu Vaccination
This is the most important step to prevent getting and spreading the flu. When you get an annual flu vaccine, you’re less likely to suffer from the flu, and you reduce your risk of hospitalization and death. Now is the time to get your annual flu vaccine. New for the 2022-2023 flu season, there are three flu vaccines recommended for those 65 years and older. These are Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent vaccine, Flublok Quadrivalent recombinant flu vaccine and Fluad Quadrivalent adjuvanted flu vaccine.
Wearing a Mask
This can help prevent the spread of flu to others.
Wash your Hands Frequently
This prevents the spread of germs. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer.
Elbow Cough
Make sure to cough into your elbow, instead of your hands to lower the risk of spreading germs.
Avoid Touching your Eyes, Nose, or Mouth
This also keeps germs at bay.
Clean and Disinfect Surfaces and Objects
It’s especially important on high-touch areas like countertops, sinks, doors, and other places many are touching.
Remember, getting vaccinated is the single most effective preventive measure against the flu. The CDC recommends that all people ages six months and older, unless otherwise told by their doctor, should receive a flu vaccine every year.
We can work together to fight and prevent the flu!
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