Skip to main content

It's Flu Season

People all over the country are getting sick. They are being infected infection a sickness caused by germs entering the body (noun) Putting a bandage on a cut can help prevent infection. with the flu. The word flu is short for influenza.

Flu season in the U.S. runs from October to March. This year’s flu is especially bad. Data shows major flu activity in every state but Hawaii. “There’s a lot of flu in a lot of places,” says Dan Jernigan. He is a director at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Catching the Flu

The flu is contagious contagious BLEND IMAGES—KIDSTOCK/GETTY IMAGES able to be passed from one person or animal to another (adjective) My sister can't come to school because her flu is still contagious. . You can catch it from someone who has it. It causes fever and chills. It can make you very tired. Most people with the flu get better fast. Doctors can treat it with medicine. But the flu can be dangerous for children. And it can be dangerous for older adults.

The flu vaccine vaccine JGI/TOM GRILL/GETTY IMAGES a shot to protect against a disease (noun) He went to the doctor to get a vaccine. is the best way to prevent infection. It is also important to wash your hands often.

If you catch the flu, there are ways to stop it from spreading. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. And be sure to stay home and rest. Your classmates will thank you.