By Harshit
WASHINGTON, DECEMBER 28 —
As millions of Americans travel to reunite with family and friends for the holidays, public health officials are warning that another seasonal traveler is spreading quickly alongside them: influenza.
New surveillance data shows flu activity accelerating across the United States just as holiday gatherings peak. For the week ending December 13, roughly 4% of visits to health care providers were for respiratory illness, and nearly 10,000 people were hospitalized with influenza, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Three children have already died from flu-related complications this season.
The surge means flu exposure may be closer than many families realize — raising practical questions about testing, treatment, masking, and whether it’s safe to attend holiday events at all.
Health experts say decisions made in the coming days could significantly affect vulnerable relatives, including older adults, young children, and people with chronic medical conditions.
Flu Activity Is Climbing Nationwide
Health officials say the timing is concerning. Flu transmission typically rises after Thanksgiving, fueled by indoor gatherings and travel. This year’s increase has arrived swiftly.
Doctors report that patients may attend gatherings while recovering — or while symptoms are just beginning — unknowingly spreading the virus. Because influenza is contagious even before symptoms appear, holiday events can quickly turn into transmission clusters.
When Should You Take a Flu Test?
Several over-the-counter flu tests are now available in the United States and can be used at home with a nasal swab, similar to COVID-19 tests.
Experts recommend testing as soon as symptoms begin, particularly for people at higher risk.
Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, says early testing matters most for:
- Adults aged 65 and older
- People with chronic medical conditions
- Pregnant individuals
- Immunocompromised patients
- Young children
Flu symptoms typically begin suddenly and include fever, chills, body aches, headache, fatigue, cough, and sore throat. If an at-home test is negative but symptoms are severe or worsening, doctors advise seeking confirmatory testing through a clinic or urgent care center.
Testing also helps distinguish flu from COVID-19 or RSV, which require different treatments.
When Should Antiviral Medications Be Started?
Prescription antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Xofluza (baloxavir) are most effective when started early.
“The first 48 hours after symptom onset is critical,” Schaffner said. “That’s when antivirals can most effectively reduce severity and prevent hospitalization.”
Even after 48 hours, antivirals may still benefit high-risk patients by shortening illness duration and lowering complication risk. Physicians emphasize that treatment decisions should be made quickly once flu is suspected.
If You Test Positive, How Long Should You Stay Away From Others?
Health experts strongly advise staying home once symptoms begin.
According to CDC guidance, individuals with flu can resume normal activities only after:
- They have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication, and
- Their overall symptoms are improving
This isolation period typically lasts four to five days, though some people may remain contagious for up to a week.
Importantly, people can transmit influenza starting one day before symptoms appear — making early caution essential.
Is Wearing a Mask Enough to Attend Gatherings?
Doctors say no.
Even if masking reduces risk, it does not eliminate it — especially in close family settings involving hugging, shared meals, and prolonged indoor exposure.
“If you have symptoms, you need to stay home,” Schaffner said. “Masks help, but they don’t make gatherings safe when someone is actively ill.”
Eating and drinking require mask removal, further increasing exposure risk for others.
What Should Household Members Do If Someone Tests Positive?
When flu enters a household, precautions can reduce spread:
- Frequent handwashing
- Disinfecting commonly touched surfaces
- Improving ventilation
- Limiting close contact with the sick individual
Caregivers should monitor their own symptoms closely, particularly if they are in high-risk groups.
Can Antivirals Be Used to Prevent Infection After Exposure?
In certain cases, doctors may prescribe antivirals preventively — especially for high-risk individuals exposed to flu.
Tamiflu may be taken daily for 7–10 days after exposure. Xofluza may be prescribed as a single preventive dose for adults and children aged 5 and older.
For example, if a grandparent is exposed to a flu-positive family member, preventive treatment may reduce the chance of infection or severe illness.
When Should You Seek Hospital Care?
Doctors advise contacting a medical provider immediately if symptoms worsen, particularly for high-risk individuals.
Warning signs requiring urgent care include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood
- Persistent fever above 103°F
- Confusion or behavioral changes
- Severe weakness or dehydration
- Seizures
Parents should seek immediate care for children who appear unusually lethargic, confused, or unable to keep fluids down.
Is It Too Late to Get a Flu Shot?
No.
Health officials emphasize that vaccination remains one of the most effective tools for preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death — even after flu season has begun.
It takes about one week after vaccination for immunity to build. With weeks of winter still ahead, doctors say getting vaccinated now can still provide meaningful protection.