Flu (influenza) prevention & care

With the flu, symptom onset is often sudden. Common symptoms include fever or chills, cough, sore throat, fatigue, congestion or runny nose, body/muscle aches, headache and/or loss of appetite.

The flu, caused by influenza types A and B, is highly contagious and affects the respiratory system, specifically the nose, throat and lungs. By getting the flu shot, you can protect yourself from serious illness and help to lower the spread of the flu in your community.

CDC guidelines recommend that anyone 6 months of age and older, including pregnant women, get the flu vaccine annually. This is particularly important for people who are at high risk of complications. While the vaccine doesn’t eliminate the chances of getting the flu, it can protect you from severe symptoms if you do become infected.

Flu season occurs in the fall and winter, and often peaks December through February, so getting a flu shot in the fall is highly recommended to ensure the best protection throughout the season. Flu vaccination is not necessary during the summer months, when flu activity is very low.

• For people younger than 65 years, the CDC does not recommend one flu vaccine over another.
• For adults 65 and older, there are three flu vaccines that are recommended for people in this age group: Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent inactivated flu vaccine, Flublok Quadrivalent recombinant flu vaccine and Fluad Quadrivalent adjuvanted inactivated flu vaccine. If none of the three flu vaccines are available when it's time to get vaccinated, people 65 and older can receive any other flu vaccine that is right for their age instead.

If you have questions about what flu vaccine is right for you, contact your primary care physician (PCP).

If you received your flu vaccine at your workplace, a pharmacy, or from another provider, you can update your patient portal (MyChart or MyEndeavor) under My Record.