Falcon Facts 2025 - 2026

Reyna St. Germain, DNP, APRN, FNP- BC
reyna.stgermain@dodea.edu

Stay Healthy This Flu Season!

The 2025–2026 flu season is here, and we want everyone in our school community to stay safe and healthy.

What is the flu?

According to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, Flu is a contagious virus that can make you feel sick, even healthy kids and adults can catch it. It spreads through droplets when people cough, sneeze, or talk. You can also get it by touching something with the virus and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Did you know?

You can spread the flu before you even know you are sick and for about a week after symptoms start. People are most contagious during the first three days of illness.

Common Flu Symptoms (Think F.A.C.T.S.)

• Fever

• Aches (muscles, body, headaches)

• Chills

• Tiredness (fatigue)

• Sudden onset

Other signs include cough, runny or stuffy nose, and/or sore throat. 

Children may have additional symptoms such as earaches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

How to Prevent the Flu

The best protection? Get your flu shot!

The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated every year. The best time is in the fall. Flu vaccines are updated each year to fight the viruses expected to spread. Even if the vaccine does not stop the flu completely, it can make symptoms milder and prevent serious complications.

Quick Facts

• All U.S. flu vaccines this season are trivalent (protect against three strains).

• People with chronic conditions like heart or lung disease are at higher risk for complications. Flu moves fast, so should you! If you feel sick, see your doctor right away. 

References 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025, August). 2025 -2026 Flu Season. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/season/2025-2026.html

National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. (2025, August). Flu (Influenza). https://www.nfid.org/infectious-disease/flu/