Flu Information

Flu 2024 – 2025: It’s time to roll up our sleeves, Louisiana!

Getting a flu shot is quick, easy, and free to receive.

  • Flu season usually occurs in the fall and winter. It’s time to get the flu shot to cut your chances of getting and spreading the flu. You can also help care for a loved one who may be at high risk of getting the flu by helping make sure they get their flu shot, too.
  • A yearly flu shot is the first and most vital step in protecting against flu viruses. Getting a flu shot this flu season will be more vital than ever.
  • Flu shots will not stop COVID-19, but they will cut the burden of flu sickness, hospital stays, and deaths. You can get both the flu and COVID-19 booster shot at the same visit if they are due. This can greatly impact your health and ability to get better.
  • Everyone 6 months of age and older should get the flu shot.
  • Flu shots can keep you from getting sick with the flu. If you were to get the flu, having the shot could help you not miss school or work. Flu shots can also help keep you out of the hospital.
  • Getting a flu shot has never been simpler. You can get one at your local drugstore, doctor’s office, or health clinic. These will be at no cost to you.
  • The flu shot not only protects you, but it also can help protect those around you.
  • Flu shots are important for people who are at high risk of having problems from the flu. Children younger than 5, people who are pregnant, adults 65 and older, and people with certain chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and asthma should receive a flu shot.
  • The good news is that the everyday blocking actions to stop the spread of the flu are the same as those that you would take to stop the spread of COVID-19.
    • Stay away from close contact with people who are sick.
    • If you are sick, stay home and limit contact with others as much as you can to keep from infecting them.
    • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
    • Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not on hand, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
    • Try not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way.
    • Clean surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with viruses that cause the flu.

Flu incidence

  • Most seasonal flu activity occurs between October and May, and often peaks between December and February.
  • In the winter, people tend to spend more time indoors, which makes it much easier to spread the flu.

Flu impact

  • In a single year in Louisiana, the flu may be linked to more than 15,000 hospital stays, more than 1,600 deaths, and even some pediatric deaths may result from the flu.
  • The flu has a huge impact on school children and on the households of school children. A predicted 28% of school-aged children get the flu each year.

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