Influenza (flu)

The flu is highly contagious and can be deadly. The 2024–25 flu season was especially severe, causing at least 47 million illnesses, 610,000 hospitalizations, and 26,000 deaths. Among them were at least 216 children, making it the deadliest non-pandemic flu season for children in U.S. history.

Getting a yearly flu vaccine is the best protection against flu infection for everyone 6 months of age and older. The type of flu vaccine you should receive depends on your age, health, and any allergies to the vaccine or its ingredients.

Each year, an average of 26.8 million Americans get the flu. Seasonal studies show that vaccination reduces the risk of serious illness by 40% to 60%.

In addition to vaccination, these practice these habits to help protect you and others:

• Wash your hands often
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Wear a face mask
• Stay home when you’re sick

Champaign County Respiratory Illness Weekly Surveillance Reports