As fall arrives, it’s important for healthcare professionals to prepare for another flu season. Influenza activity often begins to rise in October, although the timing and severity of each season (and the strain of the flu that will appear) can be difficult to predict.
For flu season 2026–2027, health experts updated the vaccine to better match the influenza viruses expected to circulate. Today’s vaccine remains trivalent, which means it helps to protect against three influenza viruses: two influenza A viruses and one influenza B virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that most people get their flu shots in September or October to give them the best protection.
Here’s additional information on what healthcare professionals and the communities they serve should know about flu season 2026–2027.
Symptoms of Influenza
Influenza, nicknamed “the flu,” is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Unlike the common cold, flu symptoms often begin suddenly. According to the CDC’s flu symptom guidance, symptoms can include:
- Fever or feeling feverish
- Chills
- Cough
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Sore throat
- A runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Vomiting or diarrhea, which are more common in children than adults
Not everyone with influenza gets a fever, which is why some people won’t realize they have it at times when they could potentially spread it to others. In most cases, though, people do develop fevers or other recognizable symptoms, recovering within a few days to less than two weeks. Unfortunately, it is possible to develop complications. One of the most serious risks is developing pneumonia, but the flu can also lead to difficulties with asthma or chronic heart disease.
Older adults, young children, pregnant people, and people with certain chronic conditions face a higher risk of serious flu-related complications and should seek attention from a care provider if they develop symptoms.
Treating the Flu
The flu doesn’t always require treatment and, in most cases, people with a mild flu can recover at home. Recovery usually consists of resting, drinking fluids to stay hydrated, avoiding close contact with others, eating healthy foods when possible, and taking some medications (such as fever reducers) when needed. The CDC states that people should stay home until their symptoms are improving overall and they have gone at least 24 hours without a fever while not using fever-reducing medication.
Prescription antiviral medications can make flu symptoms milder and shorten the illness, and they can be a good idea for some people, such as those with a greater risk of complications. They work best when started within one or two days after symptoms appear, but they may still be helpful days later.
The CDC recommends antiviral treatment for people who are severely ill, hospitalized, or at higher risk of serious complications from the flu, such as those with cardiac or pulmonary conditions.
How To Protect Yourself and Others
Annual vaccination is the best way to reduce the risk of seasonal influenza and its potentially serious complications. The current CDC guidance recommends routine flu vaccination for everyone aged six months and older, with rare exceptions.
Vaccination is particularly important for people at higher risk of complications and those who live with or care for them. This includes healthcare professionals who can encounter influenza through direct patient care or exposure to infectious materials.
Vaccination isn’t the only thing that will help. The CDC also reports that there are healthy habits that help prevent the spread of flu. For example:
- People should avoid close contact with those who are sick and stay home when they develop symptoms
- People should cover coughs and sneezes to help limit the spread of respiratory droplets.
- Individuals can wash their hands regularly to prevent the transfer of germs
- Individuals can clean their homes, offices, vehicles, or other places they spend time to remove the virus from surfaces
- People can focus on improving indoor air quality by changing furnace filters, running air purifiers or opening windows when possible
Vaccination Guidance for the 2026–2027 Flu Season
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is in charge of reviewing global and domestic influenza surveillance data before each flu season. Experts then use this information to select the virus components most likely to provide protection against circulating strains, helping build better vaccines for each season.
The FDA’s recommended influenza vaccine composition for 2026–2027 differs slightly according to how the vaccine is produced:
- Egg-based vaccines contain A/Missouri/11/2025 (H1N1)pdm09-like, A/Darwin/1454/2025 (H3N2)-like, and B/Tokyo/EIS13-175/2025 (B/Victoria lineage)-like viruses.
- Cell- or recombinant-based vaccines contain A/Missouri/11/2025 (H1N1)pdm09-like, A/Darwin/1415/2025 (H3N2)-like, and B/Pennsylvania/14/2025 (B/Victoria lineage)-like viruses.
Patients don’t need to choose between these products specifically based on the strain. In most cases, they should receive any licensed flu vaccine designed for their age and health status.
When To Get the Flu Vaccine
For most people who need only one dose, the CDC recommends vaccination in September or October. Getting the vaccine by the end of October gives the body enough time to build resistance to the flu that is likely to be circulating then.
July or August vaccination isn’t recommended for most adults, particularly those age 65 and older, but there are some exceptions for children who need two doses. They should receive the first as soon as the vaccine becomes available so they can receive the second dose at least four weeks later, ideally by the end of October. Vaccination in July or August can also be considered for children who need only one dose and for people in the third trimester of pregnancy during those months.
Considerations for Healthcare and School Professionals
Healthcare professionals play an important role in flu prevention. They can review a patient’s age, vaccination history, current health conditions, and other factors to identify an appropriate vaccine. Routine visits and hospitalizations also give providers a way to introduce vaccinations to the community.
Professionals should remind patients that flu vaccines reduce the risk of illness but don’t guarantee that they won’t get sick. Anyone with flu symptoms should monitor their condition and contact a healthcare provider promptly if they’re at higher risk for complications. The following symptoms require immediate medical attention:
- Difficulty breathing
- Persistent chest pain
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Dehydration
- Symptoms that seem to improve but then worsen
School professionals can also prepare before influenza spreads. Administrators and school healthcare teams should review their outbreak response and absentee policies. It’s important to order supplies such as soap, tissues, and hand sanitizer early to ensure there is enough for the season.
School health plans should address how sick students and staff will be separated from others until they can go home. Encouraging vaccination and reinforcing everyday prevention habits can also help reduce disruptions during flu season.
Stay Safe During the 2026–2027 Flu Season
The updated vaccine guidance gives you insight into what you need to do to keep yourself and those around you safe during the 2026–2027 flu season. At Supplemental Health Care, we believe in building stronger, healthier communities by connecting caring healthcare and school professionals with opportunities to make a difference. As you help patients, educators, students, and communities prepare for flu season, SHC is here to support your career with dedicated guidance and nationwide opportunities.
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