Ah, fall! That magical season that sweeps in on a gust of pumpkin spice and cable-knit coziness. But just as the leaves start to drop, so does our collective immunity. Meet fall's less charming cousins: respiratory viruses that aim to turn our sniffles into something more sinister. 

Once upon a pre-COVID time, armoring up for the season was as simple as rolling up a sleeve for a flu shot. Fast-forward to the pandemic plot twist, and we've got a new heavyweight contender in the vaccine ring: the COVID-19 jab.

Now, a third shot is available for specific groups for the first time: a vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This respiratory disease poses a significant threat to infants and older individuals.

While the whirlwind of news leaves many confused and overwhelmed, the approach for 2023 is crystal clear: think broader and act wisely. As we enter this new season, it is essential to stay informed and take proactive measures to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

Learn all the critical details about these three vaccines that you should know for this fall.

Are you ready to face the flu season head-on? 

Don't let this sneaky virus catch you off guard!

While COVID has been hogging the spotlight over the past few years, the flu has been lurking in the shadows, waiting for its chance to strike. And with a whopping 27 million cases estimated during the 2022-23 flu season, it's clear that the flu means business.

But don't be fooled by its seemingly harmless name — the flu can knock you off your feet and leave you feeling like a wet noodle. And if you're a business owner, a sick team can mean missed deadlines and a dip in productivity. That's why it's crucial to equip yourself and your employees with the most powerful defense — flu shots!

Now, let's dive into the perks of on-site flu shots and how they can help you and your team stay healthy, happy, and free from the flu.

National Influenza Vaccination Week is here. 

If you’re looking for ways to promote this week that’s focused on the importance of the flu shot, we’re here to help. The week-long observance is December 5-9. It’s recommended anyone six months and older get a flu shot to prevent catching it this year. Most insurances cover the vaccine, too.

Flu activity has skyrocketed this season. Last week alone, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported over 19,000 patients were admitted to the hospital due to influenza.

Experts agree a flu shot is a way to keep the flu away.

Below we share nine easy ways to promote and encourage a flu shot this week.

Like it or not, flu season is coming.

As an employer, you have a direct impact on how the flu season is handled in your workplace. If you don’t have a game plan to tackle flu season yet, now is the time to plan. Between educational materials and hosting flu shot clinics, it’s possible to make the hit on your workplace less severe when it comes to flu cases.

If you feel like your messaging of flu shots and prevention is falling on deaf ears, try a little humor. Laughing and a sense of humor can strengthen the immune system, research shows.

While the flu isn’t funny, sometimes a good laugh is necessary to get through times of sickness. Here are some memes to share with your employees that will definitely resonate this flu season:

Do you have a strategy for tackling flu season in the workplace?

Flu season is coming up fast. In order to keep workers healthy, encouraging flu shots early in the season is essential.

The flu alone costs employers roughly $10.4 billion in direct costs for hospitalizations and outpatient visits for adults each year. That’s not even taking into consideration Covid cases.

Getting your employees vaccinated is the best way to help fight these costs and keep your employees healthy and safe from the flu. But there are also other prevention measures to take, too, that will help your team stay healthy this flu season.

Here’s a look at how to create your game plan for this year’s flu season:

Are you and your team ready for the upcoming flu season?

While Covid-19 stole the limelight for the last few years, health experts warn that the flu is still out there, too. Flu season begins in October and runs through May.

A recently released 2021-22 influenza season report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  indicated that while last year’s activity was considered low for the season, the flu cases also extended well beyond the normal flu “season.” CDC reports show flu cases increased to between eight million and 13 million between October 2021 and June 2022. That’s up from just over 2,000 cases reported for September 2020 to April 2021.

Wondering what will happen this year?

Here’s a look at what to expect for the upcoming flu season, how to prepare, and insight from two naturopathic physicians on prevention steps to take.

Ready to talk about immunizations in a more exciting way?

Now is the time to do it as August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM).

Each year, this observance is held to highlight the importance of vaccination for all age groups. While the COVID-19 vaccine is still getting press, it’s essential for your team to remember there are other shots that keep them healthy, too.

If you’re tired of giving the same spiel about the flu or COVID shot, change it up. Have some fun with it during National Immunization Awareness Month with games, printed materials your staff can read on their own time, and more.

Here are 7 simple ways to keep this health topic educational and interesting.

Here’s some less-than-thrilling flu news:

While flu season may be historically wrapped up, it's still going around. The flu and Covid are two respiratory illnesses workers need to be on the lookout for.

This post highlights the most recent news stories and research on the flu, including the recent spread of the avian flu, along with other important news around both the flu and Covid.

Give this a quick read and for all the flu news and Covid updates you need to know.

Is that throat tickle the start of a cold, the flu, COVID, or something else?

Flu season is here, so knowing the signs of the illness can help you get the appropriate flu treatment sooner. This is especially important for vulnerable populations — like those with asthma or other respiratory diseases — to ensure the flu doesn’t turn deadly.

In this post, you’ll learn the basic flu symptoms, what to do for flu treatment when you’re sick; if you need to go to the emergency room, and how long to ride it out before calling a doc.

Here’s to getting the flu treatment you need to feel better ASAP!

There’s no getting around it: the flu is no fun.

No matter which stage of the flu you’re in, feeling better ASAP is a priority. That takes rest and time, of course.

When that first day of flu illness hits, it’s normal to wonder: how long is this going to last?

This post will provide details on daily symptoms, COVID vs. flu, and a timeline of what to expect as this common illness progresses.

Below, get a day-by-day timeline of how long you’ll feel crummy and tips for a faster recovery.