Flu Season 2026
Get your family ready for flu season
A step-by-step readiness checklist, live local trends, and quick symptom guides, so your family heads into flu season prepared.
Your readiness checklist
0/8 done (0%)Live flu trends near you
See what's spreading in your state and city this week.
Flu symptom guide
How to tell the flu from a cold, and when to call your doctor.
Kid symptom checker
Answer a few questions to see what to do next.
All illness guides
RSV, strep, HFMD, croup, stomach bugs, and more.
Flu season FAQ
When does flu season peak?
Flu activity usually rises in October, peaks between December and February, and can continue into May.
When should kids get the flu shot?
The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated by the end of October each year.
When should I keep my child home from school?
Keep kids home with a fever over 100.4°F, until they've been fever-free for 24 hours without medicine, and while symptoms are worsening.