Every year, the same question resurfaces: is getting a flu shot really worth it? For residents of Dothan, Enterprise, Ozark, and communities throughout Southeast Alabama, the answer from our ENT specialists at ENTCare is clear—yes, and this year especially. 

The 2025-2026 flu season is shaping up to be particularly challenging, with a new variant called H3N2 subclade K now dominating infections across the United States. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself and your family this winter. 

Why This Flu Season Demands Attention 

The numbers from last season tell a sobering story. The 2024-2025 flu season was classified as high severity by the CDC—the first such classification since 2017-2018. Hospitalization rates reached their highest levels since 2010-2011, with an estimated 540,000 flu-related hospitalizations nationwide. 

Now, heading into the 2025-2026 season, early data shows flu activity is ramping up quickly. New York recently recorded its highest number of flu cases ever in a single week, and hospitalizations are climbing in communities across the country. 

The dominant strain this season—H3N2 subclade K—emerged after the current vaccine was formulated, creating what experts call a partial mismatch. However, this doesn’t mean the vaccine is ineffective. Early data from England shows the flu shot remains 70-75% effective at preventing hospitalization in children and 30-40% effective in adults—numbers that fall within typical ranges for seasonal flu protection. 

Why ENT Specialists Recommend Flu Vaccination 

As ear, nose, and throat specialists, our physicians at ENTCare see first-hand what happens when the flu goes wrong. The influenza virus doesn’t just cause fever and body aches—it creates conditions that directly affect the areas we treat every day. 

Sinus Infections 

The flu causes significant inflammation and swelling in your nasal passages and sinuses. When these areas become blocked, mucus builds up and creates an ideal environment for bacterial growth. Many patients who start with the flu end up in our Dothan office weeks later dealing with stubborn sinus infections that require antibiotics or even more advanced treatment. 

Ear Infections 

The Eustachian tubes—small passages connecting your middle ear to your throat—often become swollen and blocked during flu infection. This traps fluid in the middle ear, creating perfect conditions for infection. Children are especially vulnerable because their Eustachian tubes are smaller and more horizontal, making drainage more difficult. 

Inner Ear Problems 

Influenza can spread to the inner ear, causing vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis—conditions that result in severe vertigo, dizziness, and balance problems. These complications can persist for weeks and significantly impact quality of life. Left untreated, inner ear infections can even cause permanent hearing loss. 

Throat and Voice Issues 

Severe coughing from the flu can irritate and damage vocal cords, leading to hoarseness or voice loss. For teachers, business professionals, and others in the Wiregrass area who rely on their voice professionally, this complication can mean missed work and lost income.

What the Flu Vaccine Actually Does 

There’s a common misconception that flu vaccines are only worthwhile if they completely prevent infection. The reality is more nuanced—and more encouraging. 

The flu vaccine’s primary goal is reducing severity, not guaranteeing you’ll never get sick. Research consistently shows that vaccinated individuals who do contract flu experience milder symptoms, shorter illness duration, and significantly lower rates of hospitalization and death. 

Data from the Southern Hemisphere’s recent winter season—which often predicts what North America will experience—showed that this season’s vaccine reduced the flu-related outpatient visits by about 50% and hospitalizations by nearly 50%. That’s meaningful protection, especially for high-risk groups. 

Additionally, this year’s vaccine provides good protection against H1N1 and influenza B strains that are also circulating. Even if the H3N2 match isn’t perfect, you’re still getting substantial protection against other flu viruses. 

Who Should Definitely Get Vaccinated 

The CDC recommends flu vaccination for everyone 6 months and older, with rare exceptions. However, certain groups face higher risks from flu complications and should prioritize vaccination: 

Adults 65 and Older—Flu hospitalization rates are highest in this age group, with rates nearly five times higher than younger adults last season. 

Children Under 5—Young children, especially those under 2, are at high risk for serious complications. Last season saw the most pediatric flu deaths in any non-pandemic season since reporting began in 2004. 

Pregnant Women—Flu during pregnancy increases the risk of complications for both mother and baby. 

People With Chronic Conditions—Asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions—increase flu severity. Among hospitalized flu patients last season, 89% had one or more underlying medical conditions. 

Anyone With a History of Ear or Sinus Problems—If you’ve dealt with recurring sinus infections, chronic ear infections, or other ENT issues, you know how miserable these complications can be. Preventing flu means preventing the cascade of problems that often follow. 

The Bottom Line for Dothan and Wiregrass Residents 

Is the flu vaccine worth it? Consider what you’re protecting against: 

• The average flu illness means 5-7 days of misery—fever, body aches, exhaustion, and coughing. 
• Complications like sinus infections can extend your illness by weeks and require additional medical visits and medications. 
• Ear infections in children often mean sleepless nights, missed school, and parents missing work. 
• Severe cases can mean hospitalization, ICU admission, or worse. 

A flu shot takes minutes and is widely available at pharmacies, clinics, and doctor’s offices throughout Houston County and surrounding areas. Most insurance plans cover it at no cost. 

Our recommendation at ENTCare: Get Vaccinated. Even with this year’s strain mismatch, the vaccine still provides meaningful protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and the ENT complications we treat every day in our Dothan office. 

When to See an ENT Specialist 

If you do get the flu and develop any of the following symptoms, contact ENTCare to schedule an appointment: 

• Ear pain, pressure, or drainage that persists after flu symptoms improve.
• Facial pain and pressure suggesting sinus infection. 
• Dizziness, vertigo, or balance problems. 
• Muffled hearing or sudden hearing changes. 
• Persistent hoarseness or voice changes.
• Sinus symptoms lasting more than 10 days. 

Early treatment can prevent minor complications from becoming major problems. Our board-certified ENT physicians offer same-week appointments for urgent conditions. 

Schedule Your Appointment 

ENTCare serves patients throughout the Wiregrass region, including Dothan, Enterprise, Ozark, Eufaula, Troy, and surrounding communities in Southeast Alabama and Northwest Florida. If you’re dealing with flu complications or have concerns about your ear, nose, or throat health, call us at 334-793-4788 or visit entcare.org to request an appointment. 

Your health is worth protecting. Get your flu shot—and know that ENTCare is here when you need us.