Every year, millions of people get sick from the influenza virus, also known as the flu. For most people, getting the flu means feeling sick for 1 to 2 weeks. For babies, children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with weaker immune systems or who get sick more often, the flu can be more severe. The flu may even lead to other serious health issues, like pneumonia.
The flu season peaks in January and lasts through the spring. The CDC recommends that everyone over the age of 2 gets a flu shot by October each year.
The best way to protect yourself and your community from the flu is to get a flu vaccine every year. If you do get sick, stay home to avoid spreading the virus.
