Flu Season 2024-2025: What You Should Know

Flu season is on the horizon, and it’s time to gear up for its arrival. At Urgent Care of Fairhope, we’re committed to keeping our community healthy and informed. The flu can be a serious illness, leading to hospitalizations and even death. That’s why it’s crucial to take proactive steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently updated its recommendations for the 2024-2025 flu season, including the use of new trivalent vaccines. In this blog post, we’ll break down what you need to know about the upcoming flu season, how to protect yourself, and when to seek medical attention.

Flu Season 2024-2025: What You Should Know

As the national public health agency for the United States, the CDC releases annual reports, statistics, and recommendations for the approaching flu season. New information for the 2024-2025 flu season includes updates on vaccine compositions, effectiveness, and best practices. But what does that actually mean for you?

Vaccine Composition. The composition of flu vaccines has been updated for the 2024-2025 flu season. Updated vaccines will include egg-based, cell-based, and recombinant-based vaccines. All FDA-approved vaccines are equally effective, but if you or a loved one have allergies, it’s important to know the type of vaccine you’re receiving.

Vaccine Protection. Flu viruses change rapidly from year to year, so last season’s flu shot may not protect you from the current viruses in circulation. Health organizations work together every year to develop updated formulas based on the viruses expected to spread that upcoming season.

All 2024-2025 flu vaccines in the United States will be trivalent, or formulated to protect against three different flu viruses: A(H1N1), A(H3N2), and B/Victoria. Previous flu vaccines were quadrivalent, or four-component, and included protection against B/Yamagata viruses; these have not been in circulation since 2020, so protection is expected to be similar.

Vaccine Administration. The CDC recommends everyone 6 months of age or older receive an updated 2024-2025 flu vaccine to reduce their risk for the upcoming season. Most people only need one flu vaccine per year, and the months of September and October are the best times to get vaccinated for peak protection.

Vaccine timing is more important than you may think. The flu vaccine takes about two weeks to take effect, and your level of protection drops over time. As flu cases begin to surge in mid-late November, the early fall months are the best window for peak protection. Certain high-risk groups may benefit from earlier vaccinations, including pregnant women in their third trimester, children who need two doses of the vaccine, and vulnerable patients who can’t receive them at a later date.

How To Protect Yourself and Your Family

When it comes to the flu, your best defense is a good offense. Here are some essential steps:

• Get Vaccinated. The flu vaccine is your first line of defense. This year, the CDC recommends using new trivalent vaccines and receiving them in the months of September or October. Urgent Care of Fairhope offers the flu vaccine in our convenient walk-in clinic without an appointment.
• Practice Good Hygiene. The basic steps we all learn as children still ring true. Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water, avoid touching your face, and regularly clean and disinfect high-traffic surfaces.
• Build Immunity. Give your immune system a boost by eating a healthy diet and getting the right amount of quality sleep. Make time to exercise regularly and keep your body strong and supple. Don’t overlook your mental health – find ways to manage stress and prioritize healthy self-care.
• Treat Underlying Conditions. Chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease increase your risk of serious flu complications, especially if they aren’t well-controlled. Manage all chronic health conditions and speak with your doctor about healthy ways you can reduce your risk.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While most people recover from the flu at home with rest and fluids, it’s important to know when to seek medical attention.

Seek immediate medical care if you or someone you know experiences any of the following warning signs:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness or confusion
• Seizures
• Not urinating
• Severe muscle pain
• Severe weakness or unsteadiness
• Fever or cough that improve but then return or worsen
• Worsening of chronic medical conditions

If you’re concerned about your symptoms or those of a loved one, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider.

Urgent Care of Fairhope is Here This Flu Season

If you do experience flu symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention at Urgent Care of Fairhope. Our team is committed to providing prompt and effective care to our patients with rapid flu testing, annual vaccines, and expert treatment. Check our waitlist online and stop by for your flu shot to protect yourself, your family, and our Fairhope community.