Flu Vaccinations

Listed below are specific groups who should be immunized for the flu:

• All children aged 6–59 months (i.e., 6 months–4 years);
• All persons aged 50 years or older
• Children and adolescents (aged 6 months–18 years) receiving long-term aspirin therapy who may be at risk for experiencing Reye syndrome after influenza virus infection
• Women who will be pregnant during the influenza season
• Adults and children who have chronic pulmonary (including asthma), cardiovascular (except hypertension), renal, hepatic, hematological or metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus)
• Adults and children who have immunosuppression, including immunosuppression caused by medications or by human immunodeficiency virus
• Adults and children who have any condition (e.g., cognitive dysfunction, spinal cord injuries, seizure disorders or other neuromuscular disorders) that can compromise respiratory function or the handling of respiratory secretions, or can increase the risk for aspiration
• Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities
• Healthcare personnel
• Healthy household contacts (including children) and caregivers of children under 5 years and adults 50 years or older, with particular emphasis on vaccinating contacts of children under 6 months
• Healthy household contacts (including children) and caregivers of persons with medical conditions that put them at higher risk for severe complications from influenza (the flu)

The flu shot cannot cause the flu. Some people may experience soreness or minor swelling where they receive the shot, but it goes away in a day or two. Serious problems from the flu shot are rare. Sometimes a person who gets a flu vaccine can get the flu, but it will often be milder than without the flu vaccine.

The majority of health insurance plans cover the annual flu vaccine. Be sure to consult with your insurance provider to confirm your coverage. Co-pays may apply for the flu shot.

The respiratory virus that is currently circulating in the United States is passed from person to person. Seasonal flu is spread by people infected with the virus coughing or sneezing. It can also be spread by touching something with the flu virus on it (such as a tissue or doorknob) and then touching your mouth, eyes or nose.

You can protect yourself from the flu by washing your hands frequently with soap and warm water. You also can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. You should avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Stay away from people who are sick (especially if they have a fever, cough and sore throat). Get plenty of sleep, exercise regularly, manage stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious foods.

The most important thing you can do for you and your family in preparing for flu season is to get the flu vaccine. This important step is now recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and prevention (CDC) for everyone over 6 months of age.

The most common symptoms are sudden onset of fever (half having a temperature greater than 100.4), cough, sore throat, body aches, chills, headache and fatigue. Some people with the flu have experienced diarrhea and vomiting. Stay home if you get sick. In most cases, people with the flu will get better without medical attention. Avoid being around others until your fever has been gone for 24 hours without taking fever-reducing medications.

WARNING: Do not give aspirin, or medications that contain aspirin, to children 18 years and younger. If you are at risk for complications of influenza, call your healthcare provider.

People with COVID-19 have experienced a wide range of symptoms, from mild symptoms to severe illness. Although symptoms of the flu and COVID-19 can look similar, they are caused by different viruses. While many people have built up immunity to seasonal flu strains, there is no known immunity to COVID-19. Learn more about our Safe Care plan and important updates about COVID-19.

Globally, about 3.4% of people with reported COVID-19 cases have died. By comparison, seasonal flu generally kills less than 1% of those infected.

Differences

• Incubation: 2-14 days for COVID-19 vs. 1-4 days for flu
• Transmission: It is possible for COVID-19 to spread through airborne droplets after the infected person is no longer present (also see similarities)
• Onset: COVID-19 symptoms are generally gradual. Flu symptoms tend to come on abruptly
• Vaccine availability: Development and testing is in progress, but there is no vaccine for COVID-19 at the time of this publication. There is a seasonal vaccine for the flu

Similarities

• Symptoms: Fever or chills, cough, congestion, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, severe headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea
• Transmission: Both can be spread by droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks (also see differences)
• Onset: COVID-19 symptoms are generally gradual. Flu symptoms tend to come on abruptly
• Cure: There are no drugs to cure COVID-19 or the flu. Treatment is for symptoms

*Including repeated shaking with chills