You’ve heard the term “flu season,” but what does it really mean? Can you only get the flu at certain times? When can you get vaccinated for the flu? What are the best ways to prevent and treat the flu, and when should you take these steps? Find out these answers and more below.

When Does Flu Season Begin and End?

There is no official start and end date for flu season, but typically the winter months are referred to as flu season. That’s why you will often see heavy advertisement for flu shots around fall, just before the start of flu season. 

This doesn’t mean that you can only get the flu during this time, just that this is when it’s the most common to contract the flu. You can certainly still catch the flu in the summer or other seasons. This means you can get preventative treatment for the flu, the flu shot, any time of year; however, it’s best to get your flu shot in the fall before the end of October more maximum efficacy.

It can take a couple of weeks for the flu shot to work properly in your body, so you don’t want to put it off too long. At the same time, the closer you get your shot to flu season, the better. So, while you can get a flu shot in the spring or summer, and it should still be effective, it will be most potent and likely to prevent infection if you get it in the fall.

How Can I Prevent and Treat the Flu?

The best way to prevent the flu is to get your flu shot and get it at the optimal time. You should try to get a flu shot every year in the fall before the end of October, but you can also get one at any time. If you have already contracted the flu, even if you don’t have symptoms yet, the flu vaccine will not help to stop the flu. Other ways you can prevent the flu is to practice good hygiene (washing your hands, showering regularly, etc.), avoid crowds or people that you know have the flu, don’t share drinks or anything that may carry the infection, eat healthy foods, and take lots of Vitamin C to boost your immune system. 

Treating the flu is very important for anyone, but especially for children or the elderly, who are more likely to develop complications from the flu. The flu can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia, which can result in death. That’s why it’s so important to see a medical professional to get a diagnosis and treatment for the flu as soon as possible; or even better, to get a flu shot to avoid ever contracting the illness.

Where Can I Get Flu Prevention and Treatment?

Your regular doctor can give you a flu shot or treatment, but you will need to make and wait for an appointment. A more convenient and faster option is to visit your local urgent care center for flu shots and treatment, where you can get a flu shot, a flu test, and the necessary treatment.