Where flu cases currently stand

For the week ending Oct. 21, six jurisdictions in the United States, including states and territories, reported moderate or high flu activity — up from two the week prior. Currently, Alaska is reporting high flu activity, while Florida, Hawaii, New Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia are reporting moderate activity.

Although most states are currently reporting low or minimal flu activity, cases will increase as the flu season progresses. Flu cases can peak at anytime during the winter, but the highest number of cases usually occurs in February.

According to CDC, there were 1,456 patients hospitalized with influenza during the week ending Oct. 21, a slight increase from the week before. Meanwhile, the percentage of outpatient provider visits for an influenza-like illness was 2.5%, which was below the national baseline of 2.9%.

Currently, CDC experts predict this year's respiratory virus season will be similar to what the country experienced in 2022. However, they noted that while the flu season is expected to be within "the typical range of severity … even typical seasons vary widely in the number of illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths."

How to prepare for the flu

The seasonal flu is caused by two types of viruses: influenza A and influenza B. Both viruses can circulate at the same time, but one type generally dominates each season.

Flu symptoms typically include sore throat, runny nose, congestion, and cough. Fatigue, fever, headache, and muscle aches are also common symptoms, and some people experience vomiting or diarrhea.

The easiest way to determine if you have the flu is to consider how quickly symptoms arrived and how bad you feel. "If you feel much sicker than you have with other colds, then be thinking about flu," said Stuart Ray, a professor in the division of infectious diseases at Johns Hopkins Medicine. There are also flu tests available at pharmacies and doctors' offices.

Antiviral treatments like Tamiflu can help minimize symptoms, but they need to be taken within the first few days of illness. Home remedies and over-the-counter medications can also help relieve symptoms.

To avoid getting the flu, health experts recommend getting an annual flu shot. According to CDC, all individuals ages 6 months and older who are not contraindicated for a flu vaccine should receive one. Adults over 65 are also recommended to get a higher dose or adjuvanted vaccine, if possible, but if it's not available, any vaccine is fine.

Demetre Daskalakis, acting director of CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, said it is particularly important for infants and older adults to get vaccinated against the flu since they have a higher risk of complications from the virus. (Martichoux, The Hill, 10/27; CDC Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report, accessed 10/30)

Given the influx of respiratory diseases in the United States, health experts are advising caution this holiday season. Here are five ways you can keep safe this holiday season.