Why do we get the flu only once a year?

Question

If the flu virus is constantly mutating, then why do we get the flu virus only once a year and not constantly everyday?

If it is because our body's immune system is weaker during the cold winter month. Then why do we get the flue only once and not through out the whole season during winter?

Also, why don't two, three or a dozen different variations of the flu virus go around at the same time?

Thank God the flu doesn't work that way even though it is constantly mutating. But I'm just wondering why this is so?

Answer 1

well we get flu once a year because of the climate change the conditions of our environment has great effects on our health.

Answer 2

There is a 'peak season' for the flu but It is totally possible to get the flu many times in the same year. I myself get a flu shot every year and never get the flu however I know a few people that get it several times each year. I can't speak to whether or not it is always the same strain or a different one. I think that there may be different strains around at any given time but somehow one is more prevalent.

Answer 3

I am not a doctor, but:
1) I have gotten sick from flu more than once a year. And I have gotten a flu in Summer. And I believe there can be several strains going round.

2) Flu virus doesn't mutate that fast. It doesn't mutate everytime it goes inside someone's body.

Answer 4

Be thankful that is the way it works!

Different variations of the flu mutate and makes it's way around. It take time for the mutation to happen. And yes colder months do make you more susceptible.

My daughter started having tonsillitis every year when the weather became cold and rainy about Sept 1 when we move to Northern Michigan. I became such a problem we had to have her tonsils removed.

Answer 5

You can get sick year round, but as others have mentioned, it's more prevalent in the colder months because people are inside together more, and their defenses are down from the weather changes.

I am allergic to flu shots, so I have to take the risk each year.

Answer 6

Dude, the flu has to go from the U.S to Europe, then Asia and Australia - jeez.

Of course it only comes once a year, that's a long *** trip around the world and back.

Answer 7

The first answer is correct, because the cold weather brings more people indoors, like the mall, etc...causing the virus to spread faster.

Answer 8

Sometimes you can get it again in the same season. Just usually the 2nd bout is not as bad as the first.
And yes, there can be different strains going around, but geographically it is usuall limited to one or two.

Answer 9

Every wonder why you are "suppose" to get a flu shot??

Answer 10

You know how not to catch a cold? Don't breaath thru your nose or your mouth.