Cold & Flu When Is Flu Season? By Vincent Iannelli, MD facebook Vincent Iannelli, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician and fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Iannelli has cared for children for more than 20 years. Learn about our editorial process Vincent Iannelli, MD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Jonathan B. Jassey, DO on November 24, 2019 facebook Jonathan Jassey, DO, is a board-certified private pediatrician at Bellmore Merrick Medical in Bellmore, New York. Learn about our Medical Review Board Jonathan B. Jassey, DO Updated on March 23, 2020 Print Table of Contents View All Flu Season Past Flu Seasons Although flu season is usually thought of as occurring in the winter, the severity and timing vary from year to year. To best protect yourself regardless of the specific timeframe, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting vaccinated by the end of October. Verywell / Lara Antal When Exactly Is Flu Season? In general in the United States, flu season can start anytime in late fall, peak in mid-to-late winter (between January and February), and continue through early spring. On average, flu season lasts about 13 weeks. It will usually end by April, but in some years it can linger into May. It is a good idea to get a flu shot before the start of flu season so that you don't get sick with the flu, but even a late flu shot provides protection, especially when flu season lingers into April or May. How Long Does a Flu Shot Last? A Look at Past Flu Seasons The strain of influenza that circulates can change from year to year, and the vaccine is adjusted in an attempt to predict which will predominate. Here is a look at the flu over a period of 10 years. 2018-2019 Flu Season: Peak: Mid-FebruaryMost common strain: Influenza A—both H3N2 and H1N1 2017-2018 Flu Season: Peak: January and FebruaryMost common strain: Influenza A (H3N2) 2016-2017 Flu Season: Peak: Mid-MarchMost common strain: Influenza A (H3N2) 2015-2016 Flu Season: Peak: Mid-MarchMost common strain: 2009 H1N1 influenza A 2014-2015 Flu Season: Peak: Late DecemberMost common strain: Influenza A (H3N2) 2013-2014 Flu Season: Peak: Late DecemberMost common strain: 2009 H1N1 influenza A 2012-2013 Flu Season: Peak: Late DecemberMost common strain: Influenza A (H3N2) 2011-2012 Flu Season: Peak: Mid-MarchMost common strain: Influenza A (H3N2) 2010-2011 Flu Season: Peak: Early FebruaryMost common strain: Influenza A (H3N2) A Word From Verywell The CDC recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months get the yearly flu vaccine and that you get it as soon as it becomes available, by the end of October, if possible. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to produce the antibodies that will protect you from the flu. But if you missed the earlier vaccination time, it is still valuable to get the vaccine even in January or later. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Looking to avoid getting the flu? Our free guide has everything you need to stay healthy this season. Sign up and get yours today. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Who needs a flu vaccine and when? Updated October 11, 2019. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Flu Season. Updated July 12, 2018. Additional Reading Past Weekly Surveillance Reports. CDC.