Influenza (flu) virus activity usually peaks during the winter months between December and February. The CDC estimates from October 1, 2023, through November 18, 2023, there have been:
1.8 – 3.6 million flu illnesses
17,000 – 36,000 flu hospitalizations
810,000 – 1,700,000 flu medical visits
1,100 – 3,100 flu deaths
Discover four ways to reduce flu risk and stay healthy this holiday season:
#1 Get Your Flu Vaccination
In recent years, the CDC estimates that 70% - 85% of seasonal flu-related deaths occurred in people 65 years and older. Furthermore, these older adults are at higher risk of severe flu complications , including pneumonia, which may become life-threatening and result in death.
Medicare Part B covers the cost of one flu vaccination per season. Getting a flu shot is the best way to protect yourself from the influenza virus and its potentially serious complications. The CDC recommends that people 65 and older get the preferred higher-dose flu vaccine.
Find flu vaccines near your zip code.
#2 Get Pneumococcal Shots
Pneumococcal pneumonia is a serious flu-related complication. Adults aged 65+ have a 6.1x greater risk compared to healthy adults ages 18-64. Moreover, this group of older adults has a 10x higher risk of pneumococcal pneumonia hospitalization than younger adults.
Medicare Part B covers pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs), specifically: PCV15, PCV20, and PCV23.
#3 Practice Good Health Habits
The CDC recommends the following healthy habits to help protect against flu:
Avoid close contact with sick people
Stay home when you are sick to prevent the viral spread
When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose
Wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
#4 Disinfect Frequently Touched Surfaces
The CDC recommends you routinely clean frequently touched objects and surfaces, including:
Doorknobs
Phones
Other commonly used devices like keyboards and tablets
Have a Healthy Holiday Season
To stay healthy this holiday season, please take the following preventive actions:
Get your flu vaccine and pneumococcal shot
Practice good health habits
Disinfect frequently touched surfaces
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