Get Ready for Flu Day: Beyond Symptoms – Confirm with Lab Tests

What is Get Ready For Flu Day?

Get Ready for Flu Day is observed annually on the third Tuesday of September. It is a global campaign that reminds people to prepare for flu season by getting vaccinated and adopting healthy habits to protect themselves and others.

When is Get Ready for Flu Day 2025?

In 2025, it will be observed on Tuesday, September 16. Ongoing challenges from respiratory viruses and emerging flu strains make Get Ready for Flu Day especially significant.

Why is Flu Prevention More Important This Year?

The importance of Get Ready for Flu Day is greater than ever this year. Here's why:

• The ongoing circulation of respiratory viruses emphasises the critical need to prevent flu infections and reduce the burden on healthcare resources.
• Decreased immunity due to pandemic-related changes in behaviour may leave you more susceptible to influenza.
• Protecting yourself and others from the flu helps maintain the overall health and well-being of the community.

Rising Flu Cases Globally

Flu cases are rising globally in 2025.

• Regions in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia are seeing increased influenza activity and hospitalisations.
• Strains such as A(H1N1) and A(H3N2) are more prevalent this year.
• Certain countries are experiencing severe seasons, making public health preparedness crucial.

Why Early Preparation Matters

This day reminds us to be prepared.

• Early flu vaccination prevents severe illness, complications, and hospitalisations, particularly among high-risk groups such as young children, older adults, and those with chronic health conditions.
• Stocking essential supplies and creating a family emergency plan can minimise disruptions and reduce stress during the peak of flu season.

Theme of Get Ready for Flu Day 2025

The American Public Health Association (APHA) has emphasised a theme of preparedness paired with self-care and balance for this year's campaign:

• The campaign encourages communities to take proactive steps towards flu prevention while also prioritising overall well-being and rest.
• Educational materials, reminders, and events will highlight the importance of both readiness and self-care in the face of the flu season.

Flu vs. Common Cold – Know the Difference

Both the flu and the common cold are viral illnesses that can share certain similarities, but flu symptoms usually appear suddenly and are more intense. When comparing flu vs. cold symptoms, the flu often involves:

• Higher fever
• More severe body aches
• Increased fatigue
• Greater risk of serious complications than the common cold

Key Flu Symptoms to Watch For

• Fever or feeling feverish/chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Some individuals may experience vomiting and diarrhoea, symptoms that are more common in children than adults.

How to Prepare for Flu Season 2025

With changing flu strains and ongoing respiratory risks, being proactive is the best way to stay healthy.

• Get vaccinated early: Flu shots are the most effective protection.
• Practice good hygiene: Wash hands often and use sanitisers.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eat nutritious foods, stay active, rest well, and wear masks if needed.
• Stay informed: Follow health advisories and flu updates.

Get Vaccinated Early

Annual flu vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself and others against influenza.

• Aim to get vaccinated before flu season starts to allow your body sufficient time to develop immunity.
• It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop and provide protection.

Stock Up on Essentials

Having essentials on hand helps you manage flu symptoms and reduce the need for unnecessary trips outside.

• Prepare an emergency kit with non-perishable foods, water, medications, a thermometer, tissues, and cleaning supplies.
• Ensure you have a sufficient supply of fever reducers (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen) and any prescribed medications.

Strengthen Your Immune System

Adopting healthy lifestyle habits is key to strengthening your immune system and lowering your risk of flu.

• Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Engage in regular physical activity, aim for adequate sleep, and stay well-hydrated.
• Wash your hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes, and avoid close contact with those who are unwell.

Flu Vaccination Guide for 2025

In 2025, consider these key points for flu vaccination in India:

• Get vaccinated before the monsoon and winter when flu peaks in India.
• Vaccination is crucial for high-risk groups: infants, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions.
• Flu vaccines should always be administered by trained healthcare professionals; self-injection is not recommended.
• Follow updated guidelines from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and WHO for vaccine strains and schedules.

Who Should Get Vaccinated?

For 2025, flu vaccination in India is recommended annually for everyone aged six months and older. Certain groups are at higher risk for flu complications and should prioritise vaccination:

• Young children
• Adults 65 years and older
• Pregnant women
• People with chronic health conditions (e.g., asthma, heart disease, diabetes)
• Healthcare workers and caregivers

Types of Flu Vaccines Available

In India, the main types of flu vaccines available in 2025 are:

• Quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccines (injectable), such as FluQuadri, Influvac Tetra, and Vaxiflu-4.
• Intranasal live attenuated vaccine, administered as a spray into the nostrils.”

Where to Get Vaccinated

In addition to visiting your child’s paediatrician or family doctor, you can also get vaccinated at:

• Private clinics, public health centres, schools, and workplace health clinics
• Community events and health fairs may provide free or low-cost vaccines on Get Ready for Flu Day.

Special Programmes and Events on Get Ready for Flu Day 2025

For this year's campaign, look for events in your area and participate to learn more about flu prevention and connect with healthcare resources.

• Many health-related organisations or government bodies organise flu shot clinics, educational seminars, and preparedness fairs.
• Informational materials are distributed to raise awareness and encourage vaccination.
• Local organisations often collaborate to increase vaccination rates and promote emergency preparedness.

Myths vs. Facts About Flu Vaccines

When it comes to flu vaccines, misconceptions often create confusion. Understanding the myths vs. facts can help you make informed choices and stay better protected.

• Myth: Getting the flu vaccine can give you influenza.
  Fact: The vaccine contains either an inactivated virus or no virus at all and cannot cause influenza.
• Myth: Healthy people don’t need the flu vaccine.
  Fact: Even healthy individuals can contract and spread the flu, and vaccination helps protect the broader community.
• Myth: You only need one flu shot in your lifetime.
  Fact: The flu virus changes yearly; annual vaccination is necessary for optimal protection.

Conclusion

Get Ready for Flu Day 2025 serves as a powerful reminder to prioritise your health and take proactive steps in preparing for the flu season. This Get Ready for Flu Day, arm yourself with knowledge, take action, and embrace the power of prevention.

Metropolis Healthcare offers accurate pathology testing services, including flu diagnostics. With a team of qualified blood collection technicians who make at-home visits and a user-friendly online platform for accessing test reports, Metropolis Healthcare is committed to delivering reliable results and personalised care to empower patients in prioritising their health.

FAQs

When is Get Ready for Flu Day celebrated in 2025?

It will be observed on Tuesday, September 16.

Why should I get a flu shot every year?

Flu viruses mutate regularly, so yearly vaccination is needed for the best protection against circulating strains.

Can I get the flu from the flu vaccine?

No, you cannot get the flu from the vaccine; side effects are typically mild and not caused by infection.

Are flu vaccines safe for kids and pregnant women?

Yes, flu vaccines are recommended and considered safe for children over 6 months and for pregnant women, who are at higher risk for complications.

How long does flu immunity last after vaccination?

Immunity peaks about 2 weeks after vaccination and can wane over several months, which is why annual vaccination is recommended.