12/12/2025
📢 Anticipating a Challenging Flu Season — Here’s What You Need to Know
Friends, as we approach the heart of influenza season, health experts across the country are raising an important flag: this year’s flu season may be more severe than usual. That concern stems from how the virus has evolved — especially a variant of the influenza A (H3N2) strain — becoming more contagious and somewhat different from the viruses selected for this year’s vaccine formulation. Scientists didn’t see these changes soon enough to include the newer version in the vaccine this cycle, which could mean our antibodies don’t recognize it as efficiently as we’d like.
But here’s the key: the flu vaccine still matters — a lot.
🌟 Why getting a flu shot still makes sense this year:
• Even when a vaccine isn’t an exact match, it reduces the risk of severe illness. People who’ve been vaccinated are less likely to be hospitalized or experience life-threatening complications.
• The vaccine protects against multiple strains of influenza, including those that are circulating and can cause illness.
• Lower severity isn’t just individual benefit — it helps protect our entire community, especially the most vulnerable (young children, older adults, and people with chronic health conditions).
💉 Bottom Line:
This isn’t a reason to skip your flu shot — it’s exactly the reason to get it. Even imperfect protection can mean the difference between a mild illness and a serious one. And with flu activity rising across parts of the U.S., every layer of protection counts.
If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, it’s not too late. Most local pharmacies still have vaccines available, so get your flu shot and stay ahead of this season’s influenza surge.
Stay well, stay informed, and let’s look out for one another this winter. ❄️💪
