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While influenza viruses circulate year-round, most of the time flu activity peaks between December and February, but activity can last as late as May. exclamation square light iconWhat to Know This Flu Season. It’s no mystery that cold and flu season occurs during the winter months and the reasoning why that is isn’t so clear.
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For the past 35 years, flu activity in the US has peaked in February, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, so the shortest month of the year might not feel that way for the many infected. Flu season dates vary per year.
The 2011-12 flu season was relatively mild. But the following year, the 2012-13 flu season was "moderately severe," according to the CDC. You can choose from hurricanes, tornadoes, thunderstorms, and even weather technology, like lightning detection. However, it’s common to see the season start as early as October.
Also make sure you wash your hands, stay away from people who appear sick, and take some supplements for your immune system.
During this 36-year period, flu activity most often peaked in February (15 seasons), followed by December (7 seasons), January (6 seasons) and March (6 seasons).
And that's thanks to a protective gel-like coating that surrounds the flu virus while it's in the air. 12410 Milestone Center Dr., Suite 300 The figure below shows peak flu activity in the United States by month for the 1982-1983 through 2017-2018 flu seasons. Click the link below and become a weather expert today! That’s why you can catch the flu from someone in your home or office even if you’re staying far away from them. It doesn't help that people tend to congregate inside in close quarters when it's cold and dreary outside, making it that much easier to spread those tiny respiratory droplets containing the virus. In the Southern Hemisphere, it's the opposite. These are the winter months for the Southern Hemisphere, which brings us to a common theme: Influenza and winter go together like hot chocolate and marshmallows. Looking for smart ways to get more from life?
So if the flu virus spreads most in colder temperatures, does that mean warming global temperatures could lead to a milder flu season in the future?
In the winter, however, it’s a lot less humid than the dog days of summer. Most of the time flu activity peaks between December and February, although activity can last as late as May. Before you know it, you’re bedridden with a sore throat, fever, and aches. Information in five categories is collected from eight different data sources that allow CDC to: These surveillance components allow CDC to determine when and where influenza activity is occurring, determine what types of influenza viruses are circulating, detect changes in the influenza viruses collected and analyzed, track patterns of influenza-related illness, and measure the impact of influenza in the United States. In colder temperatures, that capsule, which is made of fats and oils called lipids, hardens into a shell around the virus.
In the winter, we often keep window and doors shut to keep us warm.
However, that also keeps the virus inside as well.
In the Northern Hemisphere, flu season typically begins in October and peaks between December and February, with cases continuing as late as May.