This year's flu season has been severe, with cases spiking not once but twice. Despite the decline in COVID-19 infections, as indicated by data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu activity continues to be unusually high. While viral interference—the fact that one virus can suppress another—can be cited as a reason why COVID-19 infections have declined, the flu has persisted.Although the wave of COVID-19 this year has been somewhat subdued, the flu is the new hot stuff with a surprise comeback. But this raises a very important question: Is it possible to get the flu twice within a season despite receiving a vaccine? The answer is a simple yes. Why does this happen and how do you counter it?.Yes, you can get the flu twice in one season—even after getting vaccinated. The flu virus is constantly evolving, and multiple strains circulate at any given time. While flu shots provide valuable protection, they are not foolproof. Practicing good hygiene, boosting your immune system, and taking preventive measures can help reduce your risk of back-to-back infections. If you do get sick, monitor your symptoms closely and seek medical attention if necessary.Flu season is usually from October to May, and several different strains of the virus are floating around at one time. What this means is that even if you've already had the flu, you may not be protected against a second strain that arises later in the season.Can You Get the Flu Twice During the Same Season?Yes, and it's more prevalent than you would imagine. Four types of influenza viruses exist—A, B, C, and D—but influenza A and B are responsible for most cases of seasonal flu. Within each of these categories, several subtypes and strains are present, making reinfection more likely.Your body acquires immunity to a strain after getting infected, but this immunity is not always transferred to other strains. For instance, if you get influenza A (H3N2) early in the season, you may still get infected by influenza B thereafter. Furthermore, the flu virus is constantly mutating, and this makes variants able to outsmart the immune system's defenses.Can You Get the Same Flu Strain Twice?The chances of reinflection with the same strain are slim but not out of the question. Your body creates a defense after the initial contact, lowering the risk of reinfection. The flu virus does make changes in its genes quite often, so even minor mutations can cause reinfection in certain situations. What About the Flu Shot? Can You Still Get the Flu After Being Vaccinated?Flu vaccines are formulated based on professional estimates of the most prevalent circulating strains for each season. But they are not always a perfect match.For example, the 2018 flu vaccine was only 36% effective against the prevailing strain that year. The efficacy of flu vaccines depends on how well the strains chosen for the vaccine match those that are circulating. Also, the immune system takes two weeks to develop a response to the vaccine, so exposure during this time can still lead to infection.With that said, vaccination greatly reduces the severity of the illness, preventing hospitalization and complications.Why Can Back-to-Back Flu Infections Happen?Back-to-back flu infections are possible for a variety of reasons:Multiple circulating strains – Both Influenza A and B cause seasonal flu, and multiple strains of each can circulate at the same time.Immune system limitations – A past infection's immunity may not provide complete protection against a new strain.Vaccine mismatch – If the vaccine doesn't provide full protection over the strains in circulation, reinfection is likely.Weakened immunity – People with weakened immune systems have a higher chance of contracting multiple infections.Who is Most Likely to Get the Flu Twice?Some groups are more at risk of getting multiple infections of the flu during the same season, including:Unvaccinated people – Without a flu shot, there is no baseline immunity.Individuals with compromised immune systems – Lupus, HIV, or diabetes may reduce immunity.Infants and elderly adults – Individuals less than 2 years and above 65 years of age possess a weaker defense mechanism.Expectant women – Immunity changes during pregnancy and thus makes an individual more vulnerable.Individuals with exposure to dense populations – Office spaces, schools, and public transport boost risks of exposure.When To Go For Medical Help?While the majority of flu cases recover on their own with rest and fluids, severe symptoms need medical treatment. You should seek a healthcare provider if you have:Trouble breathingChest painSevere vomitingOxygen levels less than 90% (readable through a pulse oximeter)Severe weakness or dizzinessHow to Keep Yourself from Getting the Flu TwiceWhile reinfection is a possibility, there are precautions you can take to reduce your risk:Get a vaccine – Even after having the flu, the shot guards against other strains.Have good hygiene – Wash hands repeatedly, don't touch your face, and disinfect shared surfaces.Use a mask in a crowded place – This prevents the exposure to droplets in your respiratory system.Improve immune system – Take a healthy diet, sleep adequately, and keep yourself hydrated.Stay away from close contact with ill people – Minimize contact with flu-affected people wherever possible.As flu season persists, being well-informed and proactive is your best protection against repeated bouts of illness.