NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Department of Health reports influenza activity is on the rise across the state, prompting health officials to encourage Tennesseans to consider getting a flu shot to protect themselves and those around them. Tennessee historically sees its highest number of seasonal flu cases in January and February, making this a critical time for prevention.

In Rutherford County, flu activity is currently classified in the “Moderate” zone based on reports of flu-like symptoms. Data from the U.S. Outpatient Influenza-like Illness Surveillance Network (ILINet) shows that 5.2 percent of residents in the Nashville–Murfreesboro–Franklin Metropolitan Statistical Area have reported symptoms consistent with influenza-like illness. Influenza-like illness, or ILI, is defined as a fever combined with a cough or sore throat and does not require laboratory confirmation of influenza. As a result, ILI data may include visits related to other respiratory illnesses with similar symptoms, including influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and RSV.

“If you haven’t received your annual flu shot, consider doing so now as flu activity is rapidly increasing,” said Tennessee Health Commissioner John Dunn. “The flu shot protects against severe disease and death from the virus, and I encourage Tennesseans to talk with their provider.”

The Tennessee Department of Health recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone six months of age and older. Pregnant women, infants, older adults, and individuals with certain medical conditions are at the highest risk for severe flu-related complications. Common flu symptoms include fever, cough, congestion, and body aches, and most people begin to feel better within about a week. Health officials advise contacting a healthcare provider if flu symptoms are suspected.

On a national level, health experts estimate that 7.5 million illnesses, 105,000 hospitalizations, and 6,300 deaths could be prevented each year with higher flu vaccination rates. To help limit the spread of the virus, Tennesseans are encouraged to practice good hygiene, including frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when sick.

Information on increasing statewide and regional influenza-like activity is available online in Tennessee’s Weekly Flu Reports. Flu vaccine is available in all county health departments across the state as well as medical clinics and pharmacies.

In Rutherford County, the health department has offices in both Murfreesboro (615-898-7880) and Smyrna (615-355-6175). The Murfreesboro location is behind the new judicial center at 100 West Burton Street and the Smyrna office is at 108 David Collins Drive.

The mission of the Tennessee Department of Health is to protect, promote, and improve the health and well-being of all people in Tennessee. Additional information about TDH services and programs can be found at tn.gov/health.