The leaves are turning, the air is getting crisp, and across Orange County, families are settling into fall routines. Unfortunately, this time of year also marks the start of flu season. Influenza typically begins spreading in October, peaks between December and February, and can linger well into spring. The good news is that you have more control over your risk than you might think. A combination of vaccination, smart everyday habits, and fast action when symptoms appear can go a long way toward keeping you and your family healthy all winter.
It’s Not “Just the Flu”
It’s easy to think of the flu as a bad cold, but it can be far more serious. Last season was a tough one. The CDC estimates that between October 2025 and mid-April 2026, flu caused between 31 million and 54 million illnesses and 14 million to 24 million medical visits in the United States. The season before that was classified as high severity, with 275 flu-related deaths among children, more than double the yearly average.
Over the past decade and a half, flu has led to anywhere from 120,000 to 710,000 hospitalizations and 6,300 to 52,000 deaths in a single season. Adults 65 and older are hit hardest, accounting for roughly half of flu hospitalizations and about two-thirds of flu deaths.
Your First Line of Defense: The Flu Vaccine
An annual flu vaccine remains the single best way to protect yourself. The CDC recommends a flu vaccine every year for everyone 6 months and older, ideally by the end of October. If you haven’t gotten yours yet, don’t worry: getting vaccinated later in the season still offers valuable protection.
A few things worth knowing about this year’s vaccine:
- It’s been updated. All three strains in the 2026–2027 vaccine have been refreshed, including protection against the H3N2 variant that spread widely last season.
- Older adults have better options. If you’re 65 or older, a high-dose, adjuvanted, or recombinant flu vaccine is preferred because it gives a stronger immune response.
- Egg allergies aren’t a barrier. People with egg allergies can safely receive any flu vaccine appropriate for their age.
- The flu shot can’t give you the flu. Some people feel a sore arm or mild aches for a day or two, which is a sign your immune system is building protection.
- You can combine visits. If you’re eligible, you can usually receive your flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same appointment.
Vaccination is especially important for anyone at higher risk of complications and for those who live with or care for them, including young children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.
Everyday Habits That Keep Flu Away
No vaccine is 100% effective, so simple prevention habits matter, too:
- Wash your hands often. Use soap and water and scrub for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating, after using the restroom, and after being in public places. When soap isn’t available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Keep your hands away from your face. Flu viruses easily enter through your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, then wash your hands.
- Clean high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, phones, remote controls, and countertops regularly.
- Take care of your body. Getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, eating well, and staying active all help support a healthy immune system.
Feeling Under the Weather? Stay Home
One of the kindest things you can do for your coworkers, classmates, and neighbors is to stay home when you’re sick. Skip work, school, and public events like parties, sporting events, and religious services if you’re not feeling well. Flu spreads easily, and you can be contagious a day before symptoms even start.
As a general rule, stay home until your symptoms are improving and you’ve been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the help of fever-reducing medicine. If you must go out, wear a mask, keep your distance from others, and wash your hands frequently.
Feel Flu Coming On? Don’t Wait
Flu often comes on suddenly. Watch for fever or chills, body aches, cough, sore throat, headache, and extreme fatigue. If these symptoms hit, call your Horizon Family Medical Group provider right away. Don’t wait to see if it passes.
Here’s why timing matters: prescription antiviral medications such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and baloxavir (Xofluza) work best when started within 48 hours of the first symptoms. Taken early, they can shorten your illness by about a day and may lower your risk of serious complications like pneumonia. For people at higher risk, including adults 65 and older, pregnant women, young children, and anyone with a chronic health condition, antivirals are recommended as soon as possible and can still help even after the first two days.
Seek emergency care immediately if you or a loved one has trouble breathing, chest pain or pressure, confusion, a high fever that won’t come down, or symptoms that improve and then suddenly get worse.
Let’s Get Ahead of Flu Together
Flu season is coming, but you don’t have to face it unprepared. Get your flu vaccine, keep up healthy habits, stay home when you’re sick, and reach out quickly if symptoms appear.
To schedule your flu shot or see a provider, call us at 1-800-859-0085, book online at horizonbooking.com, or message your care team through our patient portal. Here’s to a healthy season for you and your family!