--- title: Preparing for the 2025–2026 Flu Season description: The 2024–25 U.S. flu season was the worst in over 15 years, with up to 82 million cases. Experts urge vaccination and healthy habits to reduce risk this season. image: https://blog.nisbenefits.com/hubfs/blog-headers/flu-b.jpg --- ![woman sick laying on couch](https://blog.nisbenefits.com/hubfs/blog-headers/flu-b.jpg) # Preparing for the 2025–2026 Flu Season - Home - [Employee Benefit News for School, City and County Employers](https://blog.nisbenefits.com) - Preparing for the 2025–2026 Flu Season [ Valerie Ortiz ](https://blog.nisbenefits.com/author/valerie-ortiz) 10/24/2025 [ Health Insurance Solutions](https://blog.nisbenefits.com/topic/health-insurance-solutions), [ The Administrator's Corner](https://blog.nisbenefits.com/topic/the-administrators-corner) [0 Comments ](https://blog.nisbenefits.com/preparing-for-flu-season#postComment) 1 Minutes The 2024-2025 flu season in the U.S. saw the highest influenza activity in over 15 years, with the CDC estimating between 47 and 82 million cases from October through May, peaking between December and March. Recent trends in the Southern Hemisphere forecast a potentially severe flu season in the United States, as data indicates increased hospitalizations this year. Vaccination remains the most effective method to prevent serious illness and reduce hospitalizations.   ## **How to Stay Healthy** Flu season poses significant risks, particularly for children and older adults. Keep your household protected this season with these simple tips: - **Get the flu vaccine.** Annual flu vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself, as recommended by the CDC for everyone aged six months and older. - **Keep your distance.** Avoid close contact with anyone who is ill and stay home when you’re not feeling well. Because flu, cold, and COVID-19 symptoms can be similar, consider getting tested to identify the cause. - **Wash your hands often.** Wash your hands with soap and warm water to remove germs or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. - **Cover your coughs and sneezes**. Use a tissue or your elbow to cover your cough or sneeze and dispose of tissues immediately. - **Get enough sleep.** Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night to support a strong immune system. - **Stay active.** Regular physical activity strengthens your health and supports your body’s ability to prevent illness. - **Eat well and stay hydrated.** A balanced diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and fiber strengthens your immune system, while proper hydration keeps you performing at your best. Download the [bulletin](https://blog.nisbenefits.com/hubfs/blog-supporting-docs/bulletin-2025-26-flu-season.pdf) for more details. 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