You Can Still Help Stop the Flu in Its Tracks!

It’s not uncommon for sporadic flu cases to appear all year long.

If you haven’t gotten your flu vaccine yet, there’s still time. And it’s well worth the effort to help prevent yourself or a family member from getting sick.

Man wearing a mask and receiving vaccine.

About the Flu 

  • Influenza (the flu virus) can cause a variety of symptoms, such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, headaches, and fatigue.
  • Symptoms can be mild or severe. Some people have a higher risk for serious complications, including:
    • Infants
    • Pregnant women
    • Adults aged 65 and older
    • Individuals with chronic health conditions
  • Good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands can help prevent you from catching the flu or spreading it to others. 

2024-25 Flu Statistics

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

  • This season is classified as a high severity season (highest since 2017-2018).
  • More than 44 million people have been ill with the flu, leading to more than 580,000 hospitalizations and more than 25,000 deaths.

Flu Shot Facts

  • According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best way to avoid catching the flu is to get the flu vaccine every year. 
  • Flu shots are free when you go to a pharmacy or primary care provider in your network. 
  • Flu shots protect against the influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common in the upcoming season.
  • Once you’re vaccinated, it takes about two weeks for your body to produce the antibodies you need to protect you from the flu. 
  • Even if you still get the flu, your symptoms will typically be much less severe when you are vaccinated.
  • ·Everyone 6 months and older should get a vaccine every season – especially those at higher risk for complications from influenza.
  • The flu shot generally offers protection for about six months. Even if you get vaccinated now, the CDC recommends getting an annual flu shot in the early fall before the next flu season starts.
  • The CDC estimates that during the 2023-2024 season, flu vaccination prevented 9.8 million flu-related illnesses, 4.8 million medical visits, 120,000 hospitalizations, and 7,900 deaths.

Getting Vaccinated

 Flu shots are available through any in-network pharmacy or from your primary care provider (PCP). If you need help finding a pharmacy in your network, we encourage you to use our Find a Provider tool or the MedMutual mobile app. 

Download the Mobile App

 

 
Page last updated on 4/10/2025
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