Fight the flu
Because of COVID-19, it’s more important than ever to prevent the flu. Get your flu shot and learn more about what you can do to protect yourself and others.
Where to get a flu shot
Get your flu shot to keep you and our community safe. Visit your doctor or local pharmacy.
Flu vaccines cannot be given to those who have COVID-19 or think they have COVID-19.
Protect yourself from the flu
In addition to getting vaccinated, follow these three steps to prevent the spread of influenza:
- Clean your hands frequently. The flu virus can live on surfaces anywhere from one to two days. If you get flu virus on your hands and then touch your eyes, nose or mouth, you could get the flu.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. People can touch their face around two to four times per minute. If your hands are contaminated with the flu or another germ, you could potentially get sick.
- Avoid close contact with sick people. If somebody is sick with the flu and they sneeze, the germs can spread three to six feet from the sneeze. By avoiding close contact with those who are coughing and sneezing, you may be able to keep yourself from becoming sick.
Know signs and symptoms of the flu
Influenza is a highly infectious viral illness that typically begins suddenly with these symptoms:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Dry cough
- Muscle aches and pains
- Tiredness
- Headache
Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Some people can be infected and spread the disease without feeling ill. You can spread the illness a day before you feel ill.
What to do if you have flu symptoms
Contact your provider or use a Prisma Health eVisit to see if antiviral drugs are appropriate for you. They can lessen flu symptoms and duration, but the medication will work best when started within 48 hours of an initial flu diagnosis.