Influenza (Flu)

Influenza (flu) is a significant concern, causing millions of cases and averaging hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and tens of thousands of deaths each year in the U.S.

Flu vaccines offer a targeted defense against the most likely strains each year, which can reduce the risk of infection and potential complications.

Who needs to be protected?

Everyone is vulnerable to the flu virus, and the best way to help prevent severe illness from the flu is to get vaccinated. Flu vaccines are recommended for people 6 months and older, including pregnant women, by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and leading medical societies.​

Flu vaccination does not require a prescription and healthcare providers (e.g., doctors, nurses, pharmacists) can help answer questions. Flu vaccines should be available at local pharmacies but call ahead to make sure they are available. ​

Flu vaccines are covered at no cost by both public (Medicaid, Medicare, and TRICARE) and private insurance, including employer-sponsored insurance.​

For complete flu vaccine recommendations for children, adults, and during pregnancy, please visit:​

• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)​
• American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)​
• American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG)​
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• ​Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA)​

What vaccine options are available?

Several types of flu vaccines are available. Approved options include inactivated injectable, recombinant injectable, live attenuated nasal spray, high-dose, and adjuvanted flu vaccines.​

Depending on your age and health status, you may be recommended to receive a particular type of flu vaccine. For example, certain types of flu vaccines are recommended for older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with certain health conditions, so talk with a healthcare provider to choose the right option for you.​

I’m feeling lousy. How do I figure out what I have?

Learn more about symptoms of the flu.

Symptoms of flu may include:

• Fever*/feeling feverish or chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue (tiredness)

*There is some research that indicates that fever in older adults may be lower than the typical 101.4 F.

If you have flu symptoms, it’s important to get tested. At home testing options are available, and many healthcare providers offer testing in their practices.

What should I do if I or a loved one has the flu?

Vaccination is the best way to help protect yourself from severe illness, especially if you are at higher risk.​

If you or a loved one has the flu, talk with a healthcare provider about treatment options and ways to prevent spreading the disease to others. They can help you determine if an antiviral treatment option is right for you. Antivirals to treat flu are most effective when started within the first 2 days after symptoms begin and may help prevent severe illness and hospitalization. ​