STAUNTON, Va. (WDBJ) - The flu season is officially underway. The Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) encourages everyone six months and older to receive their annual influenza vaccine.

Flu season typically begins in early October and ends in late May.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a severe 2024-25 flu season with record high hospitalization rate in the U.S and the highest number of pediatric deaths during a regular, non-pandemic season.

Last season, Virginia reported six influenza-associated pediatric deaths and 366 influenza outbreaks. CSHD reported over 2,000 cases of flu last flu season .

“The flu is not a mild illness. Even though we experience flu season every year, it’s important to make sure you are protected each annual flu

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