Infectious Disease Prevention & Treatment Program
Flu Information
More Information
Time to get your flu shot! Don’t delay, protect your children, family and community today.
Flu is safe for patients 6 months and older. It is safe to get the shot with other vaccines, even the COVID-19 vaccine. It’s hard to tell the difference between flu and COVID-19 because they have similar symptoms. We make it easy for patients to get their shot. Ask your provider for the flu shot during your next visit.
Learn More About…
Patient Information
Flu Symptoms
When to Seek Urgent Medical Care
Make a Flu Shot Appointment
Patient Information
SENIORS
People 65 years and older are at high risk of developing serious complications such as pneumonia from flu compared with young, healthy adults, and flu can make chronic medical problems like asthma and heart disease worse.
CHILDREN
Flu is more dangerous than the common cold for children 5 years old and younger, as they are at high risk of developing serious complications. A flu vaccine reduces flu illnesses such as sinus and ear infections, and the risk of spreading the virus to others in the family. Preventing flu also means less visits to the doctor and missed work and school.
PREGNANT PATIENTS
Changes in the immune system, heart, and lungs during pregnancy make pregnant women more prone to severe illness from flu, and may be harmful to their developing baby. Because moms pass antibodies on to the developing baby during pregnancy, getting a flu shot can help protect a newborn from the flu.
Patients with Chronic Diseases
Asthma: People with asthma can develop swollen and sensitive airways, and flu can cause further inflammation of the airways and lungs. Flu infections can trigger asthma attacks and a worsening of asthma symptoms.
Heart disease: Those with heart disease or have had a stroke, are at higher risk for complications from flu. Because immunity drops over a year, annual vaccination against the flu is important to ensure the best possible protection.
Diabetes: Because diabetes can make the immune system less able to fight infections, patients with type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes are at high risk of serious flu complications and difficulty controlling their blood sugar levels. An acute case of the flu may raise sugar levels, and a loss of appetite may make blood sugar levels fall.
Liver, Kidney or Immune Diseases: These patients are at increased risk of complications from flu due to having a weakened immune system, and it is suggested that they stay up to date with their pneumococcal vaccination as well as their annual flu shot.
Flu Symptoms
- fever or feeling feverish/chills (not everyone with flu will have a fever)
- cough
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
- muscle or body aches
- headaches
- fatigue (tiredness)
- some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, (more common in children)
When to Seek Urgent Medical Care
Adults experiencing these warning signs should obtain medical care right away.
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Persistent dizziness, confusion, inability to wake up
- Seizures
- Not urinating
- Severe muscle pain
- Severe weakness or unsteadiness
- Fever or cough that improve but then return or worsen
- Worsening of chronic medical conditions
Children with these warning signs should receive medical care right away.
- Fast or labored breathing
- Bluish lips or face
- Ribs pulling in with each breath
- Chest pain
- Severe muscle pain (child refuses to walk)
- Dehydration (no urine for 8 hours, dry mouth, no tears when crying)
- Not alert or interacting when awake
- Seizures
- Fever above 104°F
- In children less than 12 weeks, any fever
- Fever or cough that improve but then return or worsen
- Worsening of chronic medical conditions