November arrives and more drastic weather changes begin, that is, cooler temperatures start to be felt. For us, the residents of Houston, always cool temperatures and without humidity, it is a delight.
We would like the summer months to have those cool mornings and afternoons; unfortunately, that is not the case. But that is why we enjoy these cooler months to the fullest, even though the drop in temperature, which also means respiratory illnesses, seems to go hand in hand.
Among viruses such as the flu and now even COVID-19 are part of what comes with this season of the year.
And what may seem like a harmless cold or flu that many want to treat with nonprescription medicine or home remedies can transform into a serious illness that can cost us our lives.
The case numbers run into the millions, many succumb to complications, especially people who have a preexisting medical condition.
According to preliminary estimates, during the 2024-2025 flu season there have been at least 47 million influenza-related illnesses, 21 million medical visits, 610,000 hospitalizations and 27,000 deaths, including 281 pediatric deaths.
The best way to prevent flu and protect against serious illnesses is to get a flu vaccination every year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all people older than 6 months get vaccinated annually.
The best time to get vaccinated is in autumn, before influenza viruses begin to spread in your community, but getting vaccinated at any time during the season remains beneficial.
The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases says that flu vaccines are updated each year to protect against the influenza viruses expected to spread during the upcoming season.
The effectiveness of flu vaccines can vary, but even when vaccination does not completely prevent infection, it can make the illness milder and prevent serious complications. For more than 50 years, hundreds of millions of people in the United States have safely received seasonal flu vaccines.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), for the 2024-25 season, as of March 8, 2025, 147.6 million doses of the flu vaccine had been distributed in the United States. March 8, 2025, was the latest update on distributed doses.
It is up to each one of us whether we get vaccinated or not, but here in the city of Houston and the rest of Harris County there are several options where we can get vaccinated. Some qualify with their health insurance, others can go to private doctors.
But if you lack resources, you can also go to places like health fairs where vaccines are offered free of charge and also keep an eye on consulates that sometimes, in partnership with local health authorities, offer the option to receive the flu vaccine.
So there is no option to take a risk; once again I stress that it is everyone’s decision, but it is always important to take care of your health.
Let us not allow a flu to send us to the hospital and turn into a more serious disease. We must be vaccinated and prepared.
What do you think?
