In the United States, the peak of influenza season usually occurs between the months of December and March.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention publishes a weekly report on influenza in the United States from October through May.
Although most healthy adults recover quickly from the viral infection, when certain at risk people contract influenza, special care must be taken.
The symptoms of the flu are very similar to the common cold, except there are more body aches and higher fevers are usually experienced.
Children sometimes have nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, but adults typically do not experience these symptoms.
The stomach flu is actually not caused by an influenza virus.
The type of virus that causes influenza season infects the upper respiratory system and the major risk associated with it is pneumonia.
The CDC reports that around 200,000 people are hospitalized for complications from the flu every year and that about 36,000 people die from these complications.
The flu can lead to complications other than pneumonia, such as sinus and ear infections and dehydration.
An infection with the virus can worsen chronic medical conditions like congestive heart failure, asthma and diabetes.
Thus, those people who have these or other chronic medical conditions should avoid contracting influenza.
Special care should be taken by these and other at risk groups, such as vaccinations, and practicing good health habits, such as avoiding those who are sick and washing hands before touching the face after being in a public place.
Other at risk groups include the elderly, particularly those living in managed care facilities.
Not only are the elderly more at risk for complications, but are more likely to be exposed to the virus, because of the number of different people that they are exposed to every day.
Those who work in these and other health care facilities are advised by the CDC to have annual flu vaccinations and some employers require it.
Doctors and other health care providers usually begin vaccinating for influenza season in the fall.
The vaccination changes every year, because influenza viruses change every year.
Scientists determine which viruses are most likely to cause outbreaks during that year's influenza season and create a vaccination using inactivated forms of those viruses.
A flu shot does not guarantee that a person will not come down with the flu, because there are hundreds of different influenza viruses and you can always become infected with a different one.
Children are also at risk for developing complications from influenza; special care to help prevent them from becoming infected includes vaccinations and good health habits.
Most experts recommend that children should receive a preservative free vaccine whenever possible.
Good health habits are a good idea for everyone during influenza season and anytime of the year.
Many diseases are spread by viruses and the best way to get rid of them is to wash them off.
When it comes to viruses that can cause the stomach flu, these are usually found on food.
Proper cooking and safe handling can help you avoid these viruses, but they are most commonly found at salad bars.
If you eat out frequently, it may be wise to have your food prepared in the kitchen and brought to you.
Good nutrition is also a must during influenza season and for overall good health at all times of the year.
For information about vitamins, minerals and other natural substances that support proper immune system function, which is your body's primary defense system against viral and other infections, visit the Immune System Booster Guide.