Protect yourself during a particularly severe flu season

It’s flu season in the United States, and doctors at Ascension Seton say this flu season may be particularly severe. According to the CDC, seasonal influenza activity is elevated across the country, and the cumulative hospitalization rate is higher than the rate observed in week 46 during every previous season since 2010-2011.

Doctors at Ascension Seton also warn that flu is not the only respiratory illness making its rounds right now. RSV and COVID-19 are also circulating.

“To decrease the likelihood of catching the flu or another respiratory disease this season, I encourage everyone to get their flu vaccine and stay up to date on other vaccines and booster shots,” said Dr. Mark Hernandez, internist at Ascension Medical Group Seton Primary Care Round Rock.

If you’re feeling sick, Ascension Seton care teams encourage you to get the care that’s right for you. Visit healthcare.ascension.org to schedule an appointment.

Here are five commonly asked questions about the flu and how to prevent it:

• What is the flu?
• The flu is “a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza virus,” and it directly infects the throat, nose and lungs, according to the CDC. The flu can cause mild to severe illness and can be fatal. Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue.
• When is flu season?
• Flu viruses are most common during the fall and winter, although they can be found year-around in the United States and may be more prevalent in certain regions at certain times. According to the CDC, viruses usually begin in October and peak between December and February.
• Why are flu shots important?
• Each year the influenza virus comes in different forms, and the seasonal flu vaccine is updated to better match the flu virus that is expected to be most common. According to the CDC, the flu vaccine typically protects against several forms of the virus, and it’s recommended that everyone 6 months or older receive the flu shot annually.
• Who is most at risk for contracting the flu?
• The flu can affect all populations, but the highest risk of complications typically occur among pregnant women, children under five years of age, the elderly, and individuals with chronic medical conditions, according to the World Health Organization. Because of their close contact with the virus, healthcare workers are also at a higher risk.
• Aside from a flu shot, what else can I do to prevent the flu?
• A number of additional precautions can be taken to ensure you avoid contracting the flu, including avoiding close contact with those who are sick and washing your hands regularly. Physicians also recommend getting plenty of sleep and covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.