What is the flu?

Influenza, or flu for short, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. Flu mainly spreads via tiny droplets made through coughing, sneezing, or talking. These droplets can travel about 6 feet and can land in the mouths or noses of others nearby. Everyone is at risk of catching the flu, but those with a higher risk of developing severe flu-related complications are infants, young children, people 65 years of age and older, pregnant women, and people with certain health conditions or a weakened immune system.

Flu can cause mild to severe illness, sometimes leading to pneumonia, bronchitis, ear infections, and even death.

In the 2024–2025 flu season, flu resulted in*:

Flu Illnesses

47M-82M

Flu illnesses

Flu Medical Visits

21M-37M

Medical visits

Flu Hospitalizations

610K-1.3M

Hospitalizations

Flu Deaths

27K-130K

Deaths

 *According to preliminary CDC estimates of flu burden from October 1, 2024, through May 17, 2025.

What are ways to help prevent the flu from spreading?

Everyone should do what they can to help reduce the spread of flu, such as cleaning frequently touched surfaces, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, staying home while feeling sick, and most importantly, getting vaccinated. Thanks to the innovative approach to accessing FluMist at home, getting vaccinated has never been easier. Because when more people are vaccinated, it helps reduce the spread of the virus.

FluMist is approved for at-home use, and it's simple to get it delivered with FluMist Home.†

FluMist is an influenza vaccine option recommended by the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

Get vaccinated in time for flu season—order now, choose your delivery date, and have FluMist delivered to your door with FluMist Home.†

Order nowOrder flumist dosage now Find FluMistFind FluMistFind FluMist Know when to orderStay InformedStay Informed

†Local restrictions apply.

When is Flu Season

When is flu season?

It usually starts in early fall, around October, and continues into spring; however, it has lasted into May during some particularly prolonged seasons.

Experts recommend getting your flu vaccine in early fall. Even if you're not able to get vaccinated in the fall, vaccination against flu remains recommended through the entire flu season. Peak flu season is typically mid-winter, around February and flu can circulate throughout the year.

The CDC recommends getting a yearly flu vaccine before flu season starts, usually by the end of October.

Get vaccinated in time for flu season—order now, choose your delivery date, and have FluMist delivered to your door with FluMist Home.*

Learn more about FluMist Home

*Local restrictions apply.

Who is at risk?

Everyone is at risk of catching the flu, but those with a higher risk of developing severe flu-related complications are the elderly, young children, and people with certain health conditions.

Why get vaccinated?

Why Get Vaccinated
  • Even healthy people can catch and spread the flu
  • Getting vaccinated is the most effective way to help prevent the flu
  • Getting vaccinated can help prevent hospitalization or death caused by the flu
  • The CDC recommends getting vaccinated yearly for the best protection

Get information on seasonal flu from the CDC.

Learn more from the CDCclick here to Learn more from the CDC link opens in a new tab with exit ramp pop-upclick here to Learn more from the CDC

Most commonflu symptoms

Common

Flu Symptoms - Headache

Headache

Flu Symptoms - General Aches, Pains

General aches, pains

Flu Symptoms - Cough

Cough

Flu Symptoms - Chest Discomfort

Chest
discomfort

Flu Symptoms - Fever

Fever

Flu Symptoms – Fatigue, Weakness

Fatigue, weakness

Flu Symptoms - Chills

Chills

Sometimes

Flu Symptoms - Sneezing

Sneezing

Flu Symptoms - Sore Throat

Sore throat

Flu Symptoms – Stuffy, Runny Nose

Stuffy nose

Flu can be mild to severe and life threatening. Flu symptoms often come on suddenly.

This table is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of your healthcare provider. If you have any of the flu symptoms shown here, stay home and call your doctor.

How FluMist Works

Help protect yourself& your household

Help protect yourself & your household

See how FluMist workswatch how FluMist works watch how FluMist works