Flu care and prevention

The flu, or influenza, infects millions of people every year. Though common, the flu can be dangerous for older people, babies and people with weak immune systems. During the 2025–2026 flu season, over 390,000 hospitalizations and 24,000 deaths are estimated to have occurred resulting from flu illnesses. The best treatment? Prevention. The California Department of Public Health recommends everyone age 6 months and older get the flu vaccine every year.

It's more important than ever to protect yourself from respiratory illnesses. Viruses including COVID-19, influenza and RSV can contribute to illnesses including the common cold. While colds are generally mild, these viruses can occasionally cause more serious or even life-threatening illness.

Staying healthy helps make sure there’s room in the hospital for people who are seriously ill. The best way to avoid the flu is by getting a flu vaccine.

Visit our COVID-19 resources if you suspect you may have COVID.

What is the flu?

Seasonal influenza is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs. It spreads through coughing, sneezing or touching items a sick person has touched. Although similar to a cold, flu symptoms are more severe and include fever, body aches, chills, coughing, congestion, headache and fatigue.  

Flu prevention

The most effective way to prevent the flu is to get a flu shot every year. Getting a flu shot is quick and easy. We offer a variety of ways to get your flu vaccine.

When should you get the flu vaccine? Getting vaccinated in early fall gives you the most protection during flu season. Some things to remember:

• It takes 2 weeks for the vaccine to work
• Three different flu strains typically circulate every year
• You can get sick with the flu more than once in a season
• You can still benefit from flu vaccination even if you already had the flu once in the season
• The vaccine protects against all three strains

The flu vaccine not only reduces your risk of serious illness, it also helps prevent the spread of flu from you to high-risk people. Those who are especially vulnerable to flu include young children, senior citizens, pregnant individuals and people with compromised immune systems. Sutter care centers also offer an enhanced flu vaccine that can provide added protection for adults age 65 years and older.  

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists strongly advises pregnant women to get vaccinated as well, since they’re more likely to have complications that require hospitalization. Learn more about pregnancy and the flu.

Protect yourself and others

Like most vaccines, the flu vaccine isn’t foolproof. “Be sure to protect yourself and others with good hygiene,” says Daniel Brennan, M.D., a pediatrician with Sutter. “Use alcohol-based sanitizer or wash your hands frequently, using soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time.” 

If you do get the flu, drink plenty of fluids, get lots of rest, take acetaminophen for fever and over-the-counter decongestants for symptom relief, as directed by your doctor. Stay home and avoid other people, especially those who are high risk. 

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow. Once symptoms are significantly improved and you haven’t had a fever for at least 24 hours without the help of medications, you can return to your normal activities. Wearing a mask is recommended for a total of 10 days from the onset of your symptoms to minimize the risk of disease transmission to others.  

If you’re in one of the high-risk groups and you get the flu, contact your doctor. They can treat you with antiviral drugs, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), to help lessen the severity and duration of the illness. 

Finding care if you get the flu

If you have flu symptoms, schedule an in-person or Video Visit through Sutter Walk-In Care or contact your care team through My Health Online. Don’t have a primary care doctor? We can help.