Minimal levels of influenza (flu) viruses can be detected year round in the United States. Flu season, however, only occurs when the activity of seasonal influenza viruses drastically increases. The start and duration of flu seasons were once easy to predict, but the schedule has become less predictable since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020.
Flu Season
In the northern hemisphere, the flu season schedule typically runs through the fall and winter, starting in October, peaking between December and February, and lasting until May. In more temperate areas of the southern hemisphere, flu season peaks between April and September, while in the tropics, influenza activity occurs throughout the year.
About Influenza
Flu is contagious and spreads person to person. Experts believe flu viruses spread through droplets when someone with the virus speaks, coughs, or sneezes. These droplets can land on surfaces or nearby individuals. Someone may unknowingly touch an infected surface or object, then touch their own mouth, nose, or eyes.
Two types of influenza cause seasonal outbreaks of disease in people: flu viruses A and B. Because these viruses mutate into new strains every year, a new influenza vaccination (flu shot) must be given every year.
Note that flu viruses can be passed between people without symptoms. The virus can be spread a full day before the host develops symptoms, and up to a week after they become sick. People with flu may display some or all of the following symptoms :
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Fatigue
In children (and sometimes in adults), flu symptoms may include vomiting or diarrhea.
Most people with the flu recover within a few days or a week or more. Flu can, however, lead to moderate complications such as ear and sinus infections or to such serious complications as pneumonia or inflammation of the heart (myocarditis), brain (encephalitis), or muscle tissues (myositis, rhabdomyolysis). Flu can even cause multi-organ failure or sepsis, the body’s extreme response to infection. Flu can also worsen existing chronic medical problems.
Anyone can catch the flu, but people at the highest risk of complications include young children, pregnant women, those with chronic medical conditions, and adults 65 and older.
If you experience any symptoms associated with the flu — which is highly contagious — remember, it’s best to stay home, even if you’re planning to travel.
Is It Safe to Fly During Flu Season?
Provided you are not sick, flying during flu season can be safe and enjoyable if you take some precautions:
- Get vaccinated (always the best way to reduce the risk of catching influenza)
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough
- Avoid close contact with sick people
- Wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer
- Avoid touching your face
- Follow travel protocols and stay vigilant of local health conditions at your travel destination
Taking such precautions is no guarantee against the flu, but they can help prevent the spread of the virus and protect both yourself and those around you. Following general good health habits always helps keep you healthy, too: Get enough sleep, be physically active, manage stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
How Long Before Traveling Should You Get a Flu Shot?
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting your flu shot two weeks prior to your travel date. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the flu virus. However, it’s important to be mindful of when you take your trip and whether the flu vaccine will be available. Generally, flu vaccines are available and effective throughout each flu season.
What Should You Do if You Get the Flu While Traveling?
If you feel sick during your trip, follow the same flu treatment that you would at home. This includes:
- Staying in your hotel or other accommodation as much as possible
- Wearing a facemask in public]
- Getting plenty of rest
- Drinking lots of fluids
- Taking over-the-counter medications to alleviate symptoms
If your symptoms persist or you experience emergency warning signs, seek medical attention.
If you’re in a foreign country and unsure where to go for help, you can contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for recommendations on local clinics or hospitals. It can also be a good idea to have travel insurance to cover medical emergencies while abroad. Make sure to track your symptoms, particularly when they started, and any medications you are taking. This ensures your medical professional has the necessary information to properly care for you during your visit.
Take Precautions to Travel Safely During Flu Season
Being mindful of flu season and taking preventative measures can help ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience. Don’t let the flu hold you back from exploring new destinations and making lasting memories. Remember to stay informed, take precautions, and seek medical attention if necessary while traveling during flu season.
Make sure to monitor your health during and after traveling, as symptoms may manifest days after returning home. If any concerning symptoms arise, you should seek immediate medical attention.
If all this talk about influenza and preventative measures has inspired your inner physician, perhaps you’re ready to help others take control of their health. See what American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC) has to offer, including an accredited* doctor of medicine (MD) program and spare time on the pristine beaches of Sint Maarten. Contact AUC today if broadening your horizons is more than just a travel goal.
This post was medically reviewed by Dr. Beatriz Finkel-Jimenez, PhD and Dr. Alexey Podcheko, MD, PhD
*American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine (ACCM, www.accredmed.org), which is the accreditor used by the country of St. Maarten. The United States Department of Education, via the National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation (NCFMEA), reviews the standards that countries use to accredit medical schools. The NCFMEA has determined that the ACCM’s accreditation standards are comparable to those set by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), which accredits medical education programs in the United States.