Opinion: The Flu Does Not Take a Holiday

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Published On: January 5, 2026 3:56 pm

Written by: Scott Coleman, MBA, SWVHS Communications Manager, and Dr. Tammy Bannister, MD, SWVHS Chief Medical Officer

The holidays may be over, but flu season is not. As families pack away decorations and settle back into routines, influenza continues to circulate, often accelerating after weeks of travel, gatherings, and close indoor contact. The calendar might have turned, but the risk remains.

Influenza is more than a seasonal inconvenience. It is a contagious respiratory illness that can lead to serious complications, especially for young children, adults 65 and older, pregnant individuals, and individuals living with chronic medical conditions.1 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the current flu season has already resulted in an estimated millions of illnesses nationwide, more than 45,000 hospitalizations, and 1,900 deaths in the United States so far.2 Historically, flu activity often peaks in January and February, well after the holiday season ends.

This timing matters. After busy holidays, many people return to work or school while feeling run down, dismissing early flu symptoms such as fatigue from the holidays or as a lingering cold. Flu symptoms often appear suddenly and may include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, headache, and extreme fatigue. Ignoring these symptoms not only delays recovery but also increases the likelihood of spreading illness to others.

As Chief Medical Officer of Southern West Virginia Health System and practicing family medicine physician, Dr. Tammy Bannister, MD, explains:

“Flu does not take a holiday. We consistently see an influx of cases after periods of travel and large gatherings. The weeks following the holidays are a critical time for people to stay alert to symptoms and seek care early.”

The good news is that prevention and treatment remain effective, even after the holidays. The CDC continues to recommend annual flu vaccination for everyone six months of age or older, as long as flu viruses are circulating.3 Flu shots reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death, even if someone becomes infected.

Dr. Bannister emphasizes the importance of acting quickly:

“Early testing and treatment can significantly reduce the severity of flu, especially for those at elevated risk.  Antiviral medications work best when started in the first 48 hours, so delaying care can make a real difference.”

Everyday prevention still plays a meaningful role as well. Washing hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when sick help limit the spread of infection.3 These steps protect not only individuals, but coworkers, classmates, and loved ones who may be more vulnerable.

The start of the new year often brings renewed focus on health and well-being. Taking flu seriously is one of the simplest and most impactful ways to follow through on that intention. Flu season does not end when the holidays do, and awareness and early care remain essential tools for keeping our communities healthy.

 

References

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Signs and symptoms of flu. CDC. Published 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/signs-symptoms/index.html
  2. CDC. Weekly US Influenza Surveillance Report: Key Updates for Week 50, ending December 13, 2025. FluView. Published December 19, 2025. Accessed December 22, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/2025-week-50.html
  3. CDC. Preventing Seasonal Flu. Influenza (Flu). Published August 26, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevention/index.html

 

About Southern West Virginia Health System (SWVHS):

Southern West Virginia Health System is a comprehensive healthcare organization dedicated to providing high-quality, accessible healthcare services throughout Southern West Virginia. SWVHS offers a full spectrum of medical care, including family medicine-based primary care, specialty care, pharmacy services, and school-based health care, all designed to meet the evolving health needs of the region’s residents.

 

For media inquiries, contact:

Scott Coleman
Communications Manager
Southern West Virginia Health System
(681)479-0809
Scott.coleman@swvhs.org