As the holiday season approaches, so does the peak of flu season, historically hitting its highest activity in February, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dr. Matthew Heller, an associate professor of family medicine at New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, stresses the importance of getting a flu shot now to ensure protection before the virus spreads widely.
“The flu spreads easily from person to person,” says Heller. “Getting the flu vaccine will not only protect you but will also protect all those around you. By setting the example, others will follow.” The vaccine works by stimulating the body to develop antibodies that fight the influenza virus. While no vaccine is 100% effective, even in seasons where the vaccine is less matched to circulating strains, it significantly reduces the risk of hospitalizations, deaths, and outpatient visits across all age groups. Importantly, Heller clarifies that the vaccine cannot cause the flu because the viruses used are inactivated or weakened.
Getting vaccinated is a proactive step, but it takes about two weeks for the body to build full immunity. Therefore, early vaccination is crucial, advises Heller. He recommends that everyone over six months old receive an annual flu shot, unless there are specific medical reasons not to. “Always talk to your physician about potential exceptions,” he counsels.
Flu symptoms typically include fever, chills, body aches, cough, headache, and fatigue. People often become contagious a few days before symptoms appear, and symptoms can last about a week. While most healthy individuals can recover at home with rest and fluids, those in high-risk groups—adults 65 and older, young children, pregnant women, and people with chronic conditions—should contact a physician at the onset of symptoms to discuss antiviral treatments.
Beyond vaccination, Heller emphasizes everyday preventive actions: frequent handwashing with soap and water, using alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap is unavailable, regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces like doorknobs and countertops, avoiding touching the face, steering clear of large crowds when possible, and covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of the elbow.
With flu activity expected to rise in the coming months, taking these steps now can help individuals and communities stay healthier. Heller is one of many New York Tech faculty members applying their expertise to address public health challenges. For more information about the flu and prevention, visit nyit.edu.
