Flu

Everyone 6 months or older should get flu vaccine each year.

The flu (also called influenza) is a serious—sometimes deadly—respiratory illness. Getting flu vaccine is the best protection against the flu.

You can get flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available in late summer or early fall. It’s best to get vaccinated before flu starts circulating. It’s not too late to get vaccinated later in the flu season.

Get flu vaccine at a pharmacy or clinic near you. Visit Find Flu Vaccine for locations.

What you need to know about the flu.

The flu is more than just a bad cold—it’s a serious respiratory illness. Each year, the flu kills hundreds of people in Washington and sends thousands more to the hospital.

Anyone can get sick with the flu. They can have fever, cough, sore throat, and body aches for 2 weeks or more. Some people are at high risk for severe illness:

• Children under 5 (especially under 2).
• Adults 65 or older.
• Pregnant.
• Living with a health condition like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.

The best way to prevent flu is to get flu vaccine. It protects you and those around you.

Good health practices help stop flu.

• Everyone 6 months or older should get flu vaccine each year.
• Stay home when you’re sick.
  • If your symptoms get worse or don’t improve, call a healthcare provider.
• Wash your hands.
  • When soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue.
• Avoid places where people are sick.
• Take steps to make the air around you cleaner.
• Clean surfaces regularly. 

Flu signs and symptoms

• Fever over 100.4°F or feeling feverish/chills.
• Cough.
• Sore throat.
• Runny or stuffy nose.
• Muscle or body aches.
• Headaches.
• Vomiting or diarrhea (sometimes).

Flu treatment

You can treat the flu with medicine—if you get to the doctor early. The medications work best when you begin treatment within 48 hours of feeling sick. Treatment can ease symptoms and reduce the risk of complications and death. Ask your healthcare provider about your treatment options.