As summer officially comes to a close, public health experts are looking ahead to the upcoming cold and flu season. How bad is this season expected to be? Here is everything that you need to know.

What the Experts Predict About the Upcoming Flu Season

Respiratory virus season is upon us. While seasonal influenza activity is currently low compared to COVID-19, flu season will be here before you know it. The U.S. saw a severe flu epidemic last year as the highly mutated H3N2 subcalde K variant made its way across the country. According to the data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the 2025 - 2026 season was one of the worst in decades.

The 2026 - 2027 flu vaccine was recently updated to include last year's explosive subclade K strain. Although experts are taking steps to ensure that the vaccine offers maximum protection, it is still too early to tell how the season will unfold.

The good news thus far is that Australia's 2026 flu season has been much milder compared to last year. Public health experts typically look to activity in the Southern Hemisphere as a harbinger of things to come when the flu season ramps up in the Northern Hemisphere. That said, the volume of flu cases in the Southern Hemisphere is not always an indication of what the U.S. should expect to see.

Healthcare professionals are also encouraged by the fact that it is rare to see two severe flu seasons in a row. However, the 2024 - 2025 season was also considered to be severe by normal standards, serving as a reminder that the flu is not predictable or linear in nature.

Also encouraging so far is that there does not appear to be a new variant circulating with intensity. This means that this year's vaccine should be a good match for what is out there. The reason why last year's flu season was so volatile was that the highly contagious H3N2 subclade K variant contained seven mutations that made it drift away from the strain that was included in the protective immunization.

Experts warn that this is not the time to let down your guard. The influenza virus is constantly mutating; thus, what is happening now may not be indicative of what to expect in a few months. In addition, a large portion of the U.S. has not been exposed to the new subclade K variant, putting them more at risk of picking it up this year.

Flu Symptoms, Tests, and Treatments

It is important to remember that the flu is not just a bad cold. The symptoms generally come on suddenly and violently. The most common symptoms are fever, body aches, chills, runny or stuffy nose, cough, and sore throat. Diarrhea and vomiting are generally more common in children.

Although most people recover from the virus on their own, the symptoms can linger for weeks. Vulnerable populations include children under five, adults over the age of 65, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions. High-risk groups should always contact their healthcare provider if they develop flu symptoms.

A simple test can diagnose the flu. Like COVID-19, there are rapid home tests available for home use. Should you find yourself with the flu, you may want to consider the use of an antiviral drug. Only available with a prescription, these drugs work best if started within a day or two of the onset of symptoms.

About the Flu Vaccine

Vaccination is always the best way to guard against the flu. The flu vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of coming down with the virus, as well as further complications and death. Most people who get the flu after being vaccinated see less severe symptoms.

The new flu vaccine is now available in most pharmacies and doctors' offices. This year's vaccine protects against three viruses: influenza A H1N1 (pdm09), influenza A H3N2, and influenza B (Victoria lineage).

Americans have several options this year for the vaccine. In addition to the standard egg-based flu shots, you can also choose the nasal mists, high-dose shots, and cell-based shots. Just last month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also approved a new mRNA flu vaccine from Moderna. Designed for adults ages 50 and older, the mRNA vaccine was found to be approximately 27% more effective than the traditional vaccine.

The best time to get the flu shot is at the end of September or in October. This will ensure that the protection lasts well into March. It takes approximately two weeks after the shot for the vaccine to take full effect. Waiting until the flu starts spiking in your community could mean that you are not fully protected when you need to be. Parents should also be particularly vigilant about vaccinating their kids before the flu starts making its round through schools.

In addition to getting vaccinated before the season ramps up, you can also reduce the risk of contracting the virus by practicing good personal hygiene. Be sure to wash hands with warm water and soap frequently, especially before eating. Cover coughs and sneezes with the inside of the elbow and avoid being around people who have been sick. Immunocompromised individuals may also want to consider wearing a face mask in crowded settings for an extra layer of protection.  

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