How to Keep the Flu Away

Since flu viruses change from season to season, it’s important to get an annual flu shot. The vaccine is adjusted every year to best match the virus strains expected to be circulating.

Once the vaccine is given, it takes about two weeks for the body to build up enough antibodies to develop immunity. 

In addition to reducing flu illnesses, the vaccine can reduce doctor visits, missed work and school due to the flu and prevent flu-related hospitalizations.

The annual flu season in the United States can begin as early as October and last as late as May. However, it’s never too late in the season to get the vaccine.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the vaccine for everyone 6 months and older, with a few exceptions. Different flu shots are approved for people of different ages, and there are shots approved for pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions as well. 

In addition to infants, exceptions to the flu vaccine include people with severe, life-threatening allergies to flu vaccine or any ingredients in the vaccine. 

It is important to always talk to your doctor about any allergies you have before getting the shot, especially if you suffer from Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

“The flu has the potential to harm us all, but it is in our power to properly protect ourselves and our communities,” says Sabiha Hussain, MD, a pediatrician at Scripps Coastal Medical Center Jefferson in Oceanside. “Unfortunately, the influenza virus continues to cause significant illness and death in our communities.”

No shot will protect against every flu bug, but it can increase your odds of escaping the most common ones. When more people are vaccinated against the flu, it spreads less through your community. And those who obtain the vaccine are less likely to have severe consequences if they do end up getting sick.

During the 2023-24 flu season, the virus infected more than 19,000 people in San Diego County and killed 60 locally. Across the United States, as many as 64 million people were sickened by the infection and as many as 72,000 died. 

Common flu symptoms include a fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue. Some people, more commonly children, may experience vomiting and diarrhea. 

Most people who contract the flu will recover in less than two weeks, but some groups are more likely to have complications from the flu that can result in hospitalization or even death. It is particularly important for those who are at high risk for serious flu complications to get the vaccine including:

• People 65 years and older
• Residents of nursing homes and other long-term facilities
• Children under the age of 2
• Pregnant women
• People with chronic conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, neurological conditions, blood disorder, weakened immune systems and morbid obesity

In addition to getting the flu vaccine, follow these tips to help prevent getting the flu or spreading it if you’re sick.

• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; use a tissue or your elbow
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Avoid sick people, if possible
• If sick, stay home for at least 24 hours after a fever is gone without using fever-reducing medicine
• Carry alcohol-based hand sanitizer so you can keep your hands clean even when you’re not near a sink

It’s important to keep your surroundings clean to prevent the flu. Regularly clean and disinfect things that are touched often, like doorknobs, light switches and phones.

• Use a household disinfectant or a solution of bleach and water
• Wear gloves while cleaning and wash your hands afterward
• Pay special attention to high-touch areas

Avoid the emergency room unless you are suffering from more serious flu symptoms, such as:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest or abdomen pain or pressure
• Sudden dizziness, confusion, severe or persistent vomiting

For children, seek emergency help if:

• They’re breathing fast or are having trouble breathing
• Have bluish skin color
• Aren’t drinking enough fluids
• Aren’t waking up or interacting
• Are so irritable they don’t want to be held
• Have a fever with a rash
• Aren’t able to eat
• Don’t shed tears when crying
• Have significantly fewer wet diapers than normal

The flu and COVID-19 have similar symptoms but are caused by different viruses. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, use a home COVID test to see if you might be positive for that virus.

Both the flu and COVID are preventable through vaccinations. Separate vaccines are used.

The flu vaccine is widely available across San Diego County, including at most Scripps Clinic and Scripps Coastal primary care sites, which are open by appointment to all Scripps patients, and to everyone on a walk-in basis at Scripps HealthExpress locations. 

Scripps patients can use the MyScripps portal to schedule a visit with their primary care physician to receive vaccination for influenza, pneumonia and other illnesses, or they can call their primary care physician’s office directly. Those without a MyScripps account can dial 1-800-SCRIPPS for flu vaccination information.