Flu Season Isn’t Finished: Why December Still Matters

Photo by Polina Tankilevitch

This December, it’s an important time to remember that flu season isn’t over, and you can still protect yourself. Some people think that they missed their opportunity to get vaccinated if they didn’t do it during early fall, however, experts recommend the flu shot throughout the entirety of the season. This is for good reason, as the disease can spread throughout the winter season, meaning it is never too late to vaccinate!

(Throughout this post, you’ll see Pharmacist Insights. These are expert perspectives that provide practical advice and deeper understanding from Tria Health’s team.)

Flu Season Peaks Later Than People Think

Flu viruses are detectable year-round in the U.S., but flu activity typically peaks during fall and winter (CDC 2025). In fact, data from the CDC shows that over the past 40 years, the highest level of flu activity most often occurred in February, followed by December, January and March (CDC 2025). That means getting vaccinated now remains essential. Not only will a vaccination help reduce your risk of illness, but it will also help prevent hospitalization and the risk of spreading the virus to others. Though getting vaccinated early is always a plus, it remains important even if you didn’t get the shot earlier.

Pharmacist Insight:

How do you explain to patients why it’s still beneficial to get vaccinated in December or January?

• Maggie: Flu season starts as early as October but continues into spring. Getting a flu shot later in the season is still beneficial because it protects you during the later months and helps shield those around you who may be more likely to get severely sick from the flu.

Protect Yourself and the People Around You

Getting vaccinated doesn’t just protect you, it helps protect your community. Influenza can be particularly dangerous for high-risk groups. This includes older adults, pregnant people, young children, and especially individuals with chronic health conditions. With the holiday gatherings, winter travel, and return to normal routines, vaccination becomes a critical step in helping prevent flu spread in shared spaces and protect those around you.

How Pharmacists Make Late Season Vaccination Easier

Pharmacists are an accessible and trusted resource, especially when you’re choosing to get vaccinated later in the season. Many pharmacies offer:

• Walk-in or same-day appointments

• Short wait times and convenient locations

• Trusted guidance from medication experts - Pharmacists can also help answer questions about flu symptoms, antiviral treatments, and how flu may impact your chronic conditions.

• For help finding an eligible pharmacy near you, look here: https://pharmacyfinder.rxlocal.com/pharmacyFinder/

Pharmacist Insight:

What advice do you give patients who are unsure whether their symptoms are flu-related?

• Maggie: There are a few ways to determine if what you are feeling is likely the flu. Look at how fast it starts and how bad it feels – the flu will start more quickly and severely like “getting hit by a truck” with fatigue, fever (temperature > 100 degrees), and body aches

Staying Healthy Through Winter: More Than Just a Shot

While getting your flu shot is one of the best protections, there are other valuable habits for staying well this winter:

• Wash your hands regularly

• Stay home if you’re feeling unwell

• Cover coughs and sneezes

• Maintain and manage your chronic conditions and the medications for them

  Pharmacists can support these efforts, guiding you through medication management, helping with medication side-effects, and supporting your overall wellness throughout flu season and beyond.

Pharmacist Insight:

What additional steps do you recommend to help people stay healthy through the rest of winter?

• Maggie:

  • Always wash your hands! This drastically reduces the spread of germs

  • Cover your cough or sneeze by directing it into your elbow

  • Disinfect regularly used surfaces like kitchen and bathroom counters, doorknobs, and handrails

Stay Protected: How Tria Health Can Help

Tria Health is a no-cost benefit through select health plans and gives you access to one-on-one meetings with a pharmacist, all from home. During these virtual sessions, our pharmacists can help you:

• Understand how flu season may affect your current medications or chronic conditions.

• Review which cold and flu products are safe to take with your prescriptions.

• Know when symptoms may require medical attention and what preventive steps you can take to stay healthy this winter.

And remember, it’s never too late to protect yourself!

Resources –

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season.html

https://pharmacyfinder.rxlocal.com/pharmacyFinder/