Influenza, or the “flu”, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and in some cases can cause hospitalization or death. This is especially true for young children, older adults, or those with underlying health conditions.

In the United States, flu season typically begins in the fall (October) and peaks in the winter (December – February) and can last as late as May.

DSHS encourages you to protect yourself, your family, and your community by getting the flu shot as soon as possible. We urge everyone six months and older to get vaccinated every flu season.

Influenza viruses are constantly changing and evolving. Each year, different strains of flu viruses circulate throughout communities, and they can change very quickly. Because of this, the flu viruses that make people sick one year may be different from the next. To match the changes in flu viruses, the vaccine needs to be updated each year to match the common and mostly likely to spread strains for the upcoming flu season. Even if the strains don’t change much from the previous year, protection from the flu vaccine doesn’t last forever. After you get vaccinated, your body builds protection, but the protection decreases over time. Annual vaccination ensures that your immune system is ready to respond to current flu viruses.

Even if you got a flu shot last year, you still need one for this year. The viruses have changed, and your immunity has likely weakened. Getting vaccinated each year is the best way to protect yourself and those around you.