Flu Season: What You Need to Know and How to Protect Yourself This Year

As a primary care provider in Northern Virginia, I’ve seen firsthand the impact that flu season can have on our community. Each year, we brace ourselves for the annual flu outbreak, but this year, the situation feels especially urgent. The flu virus can affect anyone—young or old—and its complications can lead to serious illness, hospitalization, or even death. As we continue to be in flu season, it’s important to stay informed, take proactive steps, and know how to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Flu Facts: Understanding the Impact

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that can spread easily from person to person. In the U.S., flu season typically peaks from December through March, but flu-related illnesses can last well into the late spring.

Each year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tracks flu activity nationwide, and the numbers can be staggering:

• In the 2022-2023 flu season, the CDC reported over 26 million flu illnesses, 12 million flu-related medical visits, and more than 350,000 flu-related hospitalizations across the country.
• The CDC also noted that flu-related deaths ranged from 12,000 to 52,000 annually over the last decade.

But what does this mean specifically for us in Northern Virginia?

Flu in Northern Virginia: Local Stats and Trends

In Northern Virginia, we’ve seen flu cases rise in line with the national trends. For instance, in Fairfax County, one of the largest jurisdictions in the region, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) reported a significant uptick in flu-related cases this year, with the flu positivity rate jumping by nearly 25% from the same time last season. Arlington and Alexandria have also seen higher-than-usual flu transmission rates, especially among children and older adults.

This surge in cases isn’t just numbers—it’s something that affects our community in real, tangible ways. Hospitalizations in the region have increased by more than 30% in the past month, with many local hospitals reporting higher volumes of patients needing flu-related care.

Why the Flu is More Dangerous This Year

While the flu is always a concern, the impact this year seems more pronounced for several reasons:

• Waning Immunity: After the COVID-19 pandemic, many people became more cautious and took extra steps to stay healthy, but immunity levels for both flu and other illnesses may be lower now as social distancing and mask-wearing were less common.
• Variants: The flu virus changes from year to year, and some of the circulating strains this season are more aggressive, leading to higher hospitalization rates.
• Co-infection Risk: We are also seeing co-infections with both the flu and COVID-19, which can exacerbate symptoms and complicate treatment.

Who is Most at Risk?

Certain groups are more vulnerable to serious flu complications:

• Young children (especially those under 5 years old)
• Elderly adults (especially those over 65)
• Pregnant women
• People with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or weakened immune systems

In Northern Virginia, with its large and diverse population, these groups are especially prevalent, which is why it’s so important to protect those who may be at heightened risk.

Flu Symptoms: What to Look Out For

Flu symptoms can come on suddenly and may resemble other respiratory illnesses, including the common cold. However, the flu tends to be more severe, with symptoms lasting longer and potentially leading to complications.

Common Flu Symptoms to Watch For:

• Fever or chills (often high, over 100°F)
• Cough (typically dry)
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Body aches and muscle pain
• Fatigue or weakness (feeling extremely tired, often lasting for weeks)
• Headache
• Vomiting or diarrhea (more common in children than adults)

Severe Symptoms Requiring Immediate Medical Attention: If you experience any of the following, it’s important to seek medical care as soon as possible:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest pain or pressure
• Confusion or sudden dizziness
• Severe weakness or inability to get out of bed
• Persistent high fever that doesn’t subside with treatment
• Worsening symptoms after initially feeling better

Antiviral Medications for the Flu: What You Need to Know

Antiviral drugs can help reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms, especially if taken early in the course of illness. These medications are most effective when started within 48-72 hours of the onset of symptoms, but they may still provide benefits even if taken later in the illness for certain individuals, particularly those at high risk for complications.

Here are the most commonly prescribed antiviral medications for the flu:

1. Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)
   • Brand Name: Tamiflu
   • Form: Oral capsules or liquid suspension
   • How It Works: Oseltamivir is one of the most widely used antiviral medications for the flu. It works by inhibiting the neuraminidase enzyme, which the flu virus needs to replicate and spread in the body. By blocking this enzyme, Tamiflu helps to reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms.
   • When to Take: Ideally within 48 hours of symptom onset.
   • Approved For: People 2 weeks and older (including pregnant women in some cases, but consult a doctor).
   • Common Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, headache, and sometimes stomach upset.
2. Zanamivir (Relenza)
   • Brand Name: Relenza
   • Form: Inhaled powder via a special inhaler
   • How It Works: Like oseltamivir, zanamivir is a neuraminidase inhibitor, which helps to block the flu virus’s ability to spread. However, it is inhaled directly into the lungs, which can help target the virus more effectively in the respiratory tract.
   • When to Take: Ideally within 48 hours of symptom onset.
   • Approved For: People 7 years and older (not recommended for individuals with asthma or other chronic lung conditions).
   • Common Side Effects: Throat or mouth irritation, cough, or wheezing. Some individuals may experience a worsening of asthma symptoms.
3. Baloxavir Marboxil (Xofluza)
   • Brand Name: Xofluza
   • Form: Oral tablet
   • How It Works: Baloxavir is a newer antiviral medication that works by inhibiting the cap-dependent endonuclease enzyme, which the flu virus uses to replicate. This medication has a different mechanism from other flu antivirals and may help to reduce flu symptoms in as little as one dose.
   • When to Take: Ideally within 48 hours of symptom onset, but it may still be effective if taken later for certain individuals.
   • Approved For: People 12 years and older.
   • Common Side Effects: Diarrhea, bronchitis, headache, and nausea.

Who Should Take Antiviral Medications?

• High-Risk Groups: Antiviral medications are most commonly prescribed for individuals at high risk of developing flu complications. This includes:
  • Children under 5 (especially those under 2)
  • Adults 65 years and older
  • Pregnant women
  • People with chronic conditions like asthma, heart disease, diabetes, or weakened immune systems
  • People living in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities
  • Severe Illness: If someone has a more severe case of the flu, is hospitalized, or has other
• Severe Illness: If someone has a more severe case of the flu, is hospitalized, or has other complications like pneumonia, antiviral medications may be recommended regardless of when symptoms began.

What You Can Do to Stay Safe

Here’s what you can do to protect yourself and your family this flu season:

1. Get Vaccinated – The flu vaccine is still the best defense against the flu. It can reduce your chances of getting the flu, and if you do get sick, it may help lessen the severity of symptoms. This year’s vaccine has been shown to be effective against the most common strains circulating. The CDC recommends that everyone six months and older get a flu shot, especially those in vulnerable populations. In Northern Virginia, local health departments are offering free or low-cost flu shots at clinics and pharmacies. Many primary care providers, including FamilyFirst Primary Care also offer flu vaccinations, so it’s worth calling ahead to schedule your appointment.
2. Practice Good Hygiene
   • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
   • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze.
   • Disinfect high-touch surfaces regularly, such as doorknobs, light switches, and phones.
3. Avoid Close Contact with Sick Individuals – If you or someone in your household is sick, try to avoid close contact with others to prevent the spread of the virus. If possible, stay home from work or school until you’ve been fever-free for at least 24 hours.
4. Stay Home When You’re Sick – If you develop flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, sore throat, body aches, cough), it’s important to rest at home. Doing so not only helps you recover more quickly, but it also helps prevent the spread of the virus to others.
5. Know When to Seek Medical Help – If you experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, or a high fever that doesn’t subside, it’s time to seek medical care. In some cases, especially for at-risk individuals, antiviral medications can help shorten the duration and severity of the flu if started within 48 hours of symptom onset.

What’s Happening Locally in Northern Virginia?

• Fairfax County Health Department has been actively monitoring flu trends and providing resources for both prevention and treatment. Free flu shots are available at various community health centers, and the department is running educational campaigns to encourage vaccination.
• Inova Health System, which serves much of Northern Virginia, has reported a significant increase in flu-related visits to urgent care centers, especially during the holidays. Their emergency departments are seeing higher-than-usual volumes of flu patients.
• Schools in Northern Virginia are also facing increased absentee rates, particularly among elementary and middle school students, with flu outbreaks reported in several districts.

Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Health This Flu Season

While the flu can be a serious illness, it’s important to remember that by taking a few simple steps, we can reduce the risk of spreading the virus and protect our families, friends, and community members. Vaccination is still our best defense, but good hygiene practices, staying home when sick, and being vigilant about flu symptoms can also go a long way.

Please reach out to your healthcare provider and/or FamilyFirst Primary Care if you have any concerns or questions. We’re here to help you stay healthy this flu season and beyond.