Flu season is coming.
Year after year, the influenza virus sweeps through communities, causing widespread illness, missed days at work or school and in the most severe of cases, hospitalization and even death.
For the first time since the pandemic began, reports show the number of flu cases during the 2024-25 flu season topped the number of COVID-19 cases. In other words, influenza is back to the number one illness that might make you sick this winter.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention classified the period – October through May – as highly severe, the worst flu season in 15 years.
During that flu season, there were:
- 37 million flu illnesses
- 12 million flu medical visits
- 480,000 flu hospitalizations
- 17,000 flu deaths
- 278 flu-related deaths among children
- 90% of those children were not fully protected
Getting yourself protected
Health leaders are encouraging people to get the flu vaccine once again as the best, most effective way to protect against flu for the youngest — starting at 6 months of age — to the oldest of our population.
Find a flu shot: Clinics, events and appointments at Sanford Health
“Influenza hospitalizes 40,000 to 60,000 people or more every year, and those numbers can be cut roughly in half by getting the flu shot,” Sanford Health senior vice president and chief medical officer Jeremy Cauwels, M.D., told Sanford Health News. “It’s the easiest thing to do, it’s simple to do, it’s widely available and it’s your best chance at keeping yourself out of the hospital.
“If you’re younger and healthier, it’s your best chance at keeping yourself from having to call in sick to work or school for a week.”
Thimerosal, one ingredient used in some formulations vaccines, has raised some eyebrows due to its mercury content followed by misinformation about its safety.
Dr. Cauwels said thimerosal, in the low doses used in vaccines, is safe. It is broken down and eliminated from the body much faster than the mercury found in some fish.
While studies show it’s safe, you will not find this ingredient in any flu vaccine administered through Sanford Health.
Not comfortable with needles? You have options
A flu mist is available and introduced intranasally without a needle.
It’s approved and widely available for people ages two to 49 who meet certain criteria.
The flu mist is available for a patient to order online and administer themselves at home. It is not available in Sanford clinics.
“There’s no difference in side effects or anything else other than a little drainage from the nose,” Dr. Cauwels added.
“Other than that, it’s an alternative way of exposing your body to the same antigens to be ready for the season.”
Who is at risk for flu?
Flu seasons vary in severity. But during most seasons, children and people 65 and older make up the majority of flu-related hospitalizations and deaths, the CDC said. Because of their increased risk, the CDC recommends higher-dose flu vaccines for people ages 65 and older.
Adults with chronic health conditions, and people with other health and age factors, can also have increased risk of getting serious complications from flu.
Pregnant people are at a higher risk due to changes in the immune system, heart and lungs during pregnancy.
Check whether you’re at a higher risk of flu complications.
There are a variety of signs and symptoms of the flu, including:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue
Children, more commonly than adults, sometimes experience vomiting and diarrhea when infected.
What to do when you get sick
There are medications available that can treat the flu.
“If you come down with a headache, fever or chills, and get appropriately evaluated by your provider, medications prescribed can be effective if given within the first 48 hours of symptoms,” Dr. Cauwels said. “It’s important to call your clinic or send your provider a message through My Sanford Chart right away.”
Additionally, he recommends getting your flu vaccine, washing your hands, covering coughs and avoiding people who are sick. Sanford Health offers flu vaccines at local clinics, vaccination events and during regularly scheduled appointments.
Patients can also request a flu shot appointment through My Sanford Chart.
On the heels of the biggest measles outbreak in decades, Dr. Cauwels wants to emphasize the safety of vaccines like the flu vaccine.
“Vaccines are safe, vaccines are well tested, and vaccines never make it to a person in the regular general public without extensive testing and without extensive verification of safety,” Dr. Cauwels said.
Learn more
- Flu shot FAQs: Myths and facts
- Your top 10 Googled questions about kids and the flu
- Losing daughter turns mom into flu shot crusader
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Posted In Flu, Healthy Living, Immunizations
