Cold and Influenza (Flu) Forecast

Last Update: 2:03pm EST -- November 28, 2023
Today
November 28, 2023
Minimal Risk
Wednesday
November 29, 2023
Minimal Risk
Thursday
November 30, 2023
Minimal Risk
Friday
December 1, 2023
Minimal Risk
Cold and Influenza viruses survive better and spread easily when the air is dry, and temperatures are low.
Prioritize your sleep and stay hydrated. Wash your hands, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth before sanitizing your hands.
Minimal Risk: The risk of catching the common cold or flu is very low.
Low Risk: The risk of catching the common cold or flu is low.
Moderate Risk: The risk of catching the common cold or flu is moderate.
High Risk: The risk of catching the common cold or flu is high. Prioritize quality sleep and stay hydrated.
Extreme Risk: The risk of catching the common cold or flu is extremely high. Stay home if you are sick and take cold and flu medication to ease any symptoms.
What is Influenza (Flu)?
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.
What are Signs and Symtoms of Influenza?
People who have the flu often feel some or all of these signs and symptoms:
- Fever* or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue (very tired)
- Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults
When is Flu Season in the United States?
In the United States, flu season occurs in the fall and winter. The peak of flu season has occurred anywhere from late November through March. The overall health impact (e.g., infections, hospitalizations, and deaths) of a flu season varies from year to year. CDC monitors circulating flu viruses and their related disease activity and provides influenza reports (called “ FluView”) each week from October through May. Flu surveillance in the U.S. continues through the summer months with condensed reports available.
Source U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention / AerisWeather