According to the CDC, while seasonal influenza (flu) viruses are detected year-round in the United States, flu viruses typically circulate during the fall and winter during what is known as the flu season. The exact timing and duration of flu seasons varies, but flu activity often begins to increase in October. Most of the time flu activity peaks between December and February, although significant activity can last as late as May.1
The flu (influenza) is a contagious viral infection that affects the respiratory system with symptoms such as runny nose and sneezing, head and body aches, coughing and sore throat, and feeling tired and weak. While most people get over the flu on their own, some people in higher risk groups can require hospitalization or even die. These groups include the elderly, people with chronic illnesses and/or compromised immune systems, and some people groups like Native Americans, African Americans, and Latin Americans.2
People catch the flu either through airborne droplets they come into contact with when someone with the virus coughs or sneezes, or through touching a surface that has the virus on it and then touching your nose, mouth, or eyes.
The best ways to avoid catching the flu are by washing your hands frequently and avoiding touching your face, getting the flu vaccine, using your elbow to cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, and avoiding crowds.
Lastly, if you do catch the flu, there are over-the-counter medications that can lessen the effects of the symptoms until your body fights off the infection. Most importantly, you can help keep others from becoming infected by staying home until you are better. Gone are the days of going to work sick to show what a trooper you are. Your coworkers would much prefer that you stay home to help keep them safe.
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1https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/index.html
2https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/index.htm