As children return to school, fall brings football, pumpkins and an increase in respiratory illnesses such as the flu.
People used to call October through May “cold and flu season.” Today, many health experts call it “respiratory illness season.” It is the time of year when the flu, the common cold, RSV and COVID-19 spread more easily.
The good news: You can take steps to help protect yourself and your family from the flu.
More Than “Just a Cold”
The flu, also called influenza, is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. It often causes mild illness. But it can become serious and even life-threatening.
Dr. Jason Bowling, an infectious disease specialist with University Health and UT Health San Antonio, said the flu is more than a nuisance for some people.
“Every year, there are people who die from the flu,” Dr. Bowling said. “It’s a serious illness, and even young people can get critically ill with influenza.”
The 2025-26 flu season was “moderately severe,” according to a preliminary assessment from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. From Oct. 1, 2025, through May 23, 2026, an estimated 57 million people in the United States were diagnosed with the flu.
Of that number, an estimated 800,000 people were hospitalized because of the flu. Up to 81,000 people died from the flu or its complications.
As of the publishing date of this article, the final numbers from the 2025-26 flu season have not yet been reported by the CDC.
Common Flu Symptoms
Flu symptoms often start fast and can make you feel very sick. Symptoms can include:
- Body aches
- Chills
- Cough
- Tiredness
- Fever
- Headache
- Runny or stuffy nose
These symptoms are often mild. But they can sometimes be severe. Children may also have nausea or vomiting with other flu symptoms.
Symptoms That Need Immediate Care
Most people can manage the flu at home. But some symptoms need medical care right away. Seek care if you have trouble breathing, chest or stomach pain that does not go away, or lasting dizziness or confusion.
You should also get care quickly if you have a seizure, are unable to urinate, have severe muscle pain or weakness, or have a fever or cough that improves and then worsens. Get care if the flu makes an existing health problem worse.
People With a Higher Risk of Complications
The flu can lead to health problems such as bronchitis, ear and sinus infections, pneumonia and heart inflammation.
Anyone can have flu complications. But they are more likely among certain people, including:
- Children younger than 2
- Children with neurological conditions
- People who live in nursing homes or long-term care facilities
- People with weakened immune systems
- Pregnant and postpartum women
- People age 65 and older
- People with cancer, asthma or blood disorders
- People with chronic health conditions
If you are in one of these groups, a yearly flu vaccine is especially important.
Flu-Related Deaths Are Rising
Before flu vaccines were first developed in the 1940s, many people died from the flu each year. Some estimates show the 1918 flu pandemic caused up to 100 million deaths worldwide.
After yearly flu vaccines became common in the 1960s, flu-related deaths went down. But that trend has slipped since 2012.
Except during the 2021-22 flu season, when COVID-19 prevention measures helped reduce flu cases and deaths, more than 20,000 people in the U.S. have died from the flu each season since 2012.
The 2025-26 season was no exception. A flu variant known as subclade K helped drive the season. More than 80,000 people died from the flu, with deaths peaking from late December to early February. Subclade K may sound familiar because it recently spread quickly through Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.
How to Help Prevent the Flu
You cannot prevent the flu every time. But you can lower your risk of getting it. You can also lower your risk of serious symptoms and complications.
Get a Flu Shot
Get a flu vaccine each year. It is the best way to prevent the flu, according to University Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Bryan Alsip.
“Getting a flu shot is a smart thing to do,” Dr. Alsip said. “It’s the best protection against becoming ill with influenza and to prevent others from getting the flu, particularly those who cannot receive the vaccine due to a medical contraindication.”
Dr. Alsip said babies younger than 6 months are at high risk from the flu. That is why it is important for anyone who cares for a baby to get vaccinated.
“When you get a flu shot, you play a key role in helping to minimize your own risk of getting the flu while also helping to protect those around you,” Dr. Alsip added.
This is called herd immunity. It helps protect people at higher risk and people who cannot get vaccinated. For the best protection, get your flu shot by the end of October.
Stop the Spread of Germs
Germs such as bacteria and viruses can enter your body through your nose, eyes and mouth. Healthy habits can help keep them away.
- Do not touch your face with unwashed hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Rub it into your hands for 20 seconds.
If you have the flu, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Stay home from work and other activities so you do not spread germs to others.
Start Treatment Early
There is no cure for the flu. But your doctor may suggest antiviral medicine. These medicines can shorten how long you are sick and ease your symptoms.
Antiviral drugs work best when taken within two days of becoming sick. Call your doctor promptly if you think you have the flu; an antiviral medication may help.
Flu Vaccines at University Health
Get ahead of flu season by getting vaccinated early. University Health offers several convenient ways to receive a flu vaccine.
Make an appointment at one of our health centers in San Antonio. You can also stop by during walk-in vaccination hours at our pharmacy locations or schedule an appointment with your primary care provider.
We also offer free flu shots during our drive-thru flu shot events. View upcoming event dates and details.
