In the United States, flu season usually occurs in the fall and winter. While influenza viruses spread year-round, flu activity peaks between December and February. The overall health impact, viral infections, number of hospitalizations, and reported deaths related to flu, varies from season to season. Health experts say vaccine participation, the number of people in a community who are inoculated annually, can have a big impact on the severity of cold and flu season.
“More people are unprotected, and what that creates is a situation where there’s more infection, especially with influenza,” says Dr. Justin Nistico, infectious disease specialist at Arnot Health, a member of Centralus Health.
Dr. Nistico says it’s important to get your flu shot ahead of cold and flu season.
“That’s typically September, October, November and December when you want to try to get that vaccine in preparation for the months when flu starts to pick up and we see more infections.”
Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines take two weeks from the time of inoculation to reach maximum protection. The earlier that you get a vaccine, the better.
Although the peak of flu season in the Northeast is between December and February, the full season typically lasts from October to May. However, the duration of flu season can vary from year to year. Whether it’s before the official start of the season or months into it, there’s never a bad time to get your vaccine.
“Respiratory viruses spread more easily in colder months when people spend more time indoors,” says Dr. Eli Finkelsztein, infectious disease specialist at Cayuga Health, a Member of Centralus Health.
A person can be contagious about a day before showing symptoms and for up to five days after becoming sick. During that time, airborne droplets can easily infect a healthy person. People don’t need to come into direct contact with someone who is sick to pick up a virus. Influenza spreads whenever someone sneezes, coughs or talks, and droplets go into the air, or when they wipe their nose and then touch a surface. It’s important to protect vital areas like the nose and mouth.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, as of September 2025, the percentage of emergency department visits for viral related illnesses is highest in children 0-4 years old and elevated in adults 65 years and older.
“If kids are in school or on playgrounds or come into contact with other people, not only are they at risk of spreading influenza, but they’re at risk of getting it. If your child has, say, asthma or some respiratory illness, these infections will amplify their symptoms,” says Dr. Nistico.
Flu vaccines are recommended for all children 6 months of age and older every year to protect against the flu and its potentially serious complications. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the COVID-19 vaccine for those 6 months and older.
The flu can lead to severe complications like pneumonia, bronchitis, and the worsening of chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease. The vaccine helps prevent these outcomes. Even if you do get the flu after being vaccinated, your symptoms are likely to be milder, and you are less likely to require hospitalization or intensive care.
“Your healthcare provider is key to help you make an informed decision about vaccines. The conversation should center on reviewing your personal health factors, and that of those around you, to determine which vaccines you could personally benefit from,” says Dr. Finkelsztein.
One of the best ways to maintain your health is to start seeing a primary care provider. Through regular exams, over time, your provider gets to know your medical history and understands what is important to you. When you build a long-term relationship with a trusted provider, you become more comfortable talking about your health needs. Providers at Arnot Health and Cayuga Health, members of Centralus Health, accept patients of all ages. If you’re looking for a new provider, click here.
Arnot Health’s Ivy Clinic is located at 555 St. Joseph’s Boulevard, Elmira and 521 W Seneca Street, Ithaca. Referrals are recommended but not required. To make an appointment call (607) 795 – 8161.
Cayuga Health’s Center for Infectious Disease is located at 1302 Trumansburg Road, Suite R, Ithaca. To make an appointment call (607) 241 – 1118.
