Jump to content

Choose locationChoose Location
  • Sign in or Enroll
    • Open I want to choose my medical group or hospital
    • Clear my location
Change Location

We've expanded your view

You are now viewing all services in the Sutter Health network. You can change your location above to narrow your view to a medical group, hospital, city or zip.
Sutter Health
  • Video Visits
  • Find Doctors
  • Find Locations
  • Treatments & Services
  • Locations
  • Sign in or Enroll
    • Video Visits
    • Find Doctors
    • Find Locations
    • Treatments & Services
    • COVID-19 Resources
    • Pay a Bill
    • Symptom Checker
    • Get Care Today
    • Diseases & Conditions
    • Health & Wellness
    • Classes & Events
    • Research & Clinical Trials
    • For Patients
    • About Sutter Health
    • Giving
    • Volunteering
    • Careers
    • News
    • For Medical Professionals
    • Other Business Services
Close Search
  • Home
  • Services
  • Primary Care
  • Flu Symptoms and Care
Content

Flu Symptoms and Care

Influenza, known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus. Flu symptoms can include fever, body aches, chills, headache, congestion and coughing. These can be similar to common cold symptoms, but the flu can be very serious and can lead to death. It's especially dangerous for babies, the elderly and people who are sick.

COVID-19, or coronavirus, shares some symptoms with the flu, and can also cause severe illness and death. If you think you may have coronavirus, consult our COVID-19 Screener for an initial assessment, or call your doctor.

During the pandemic, it's more important than ever to get a flu vaccine. It's your best chance to prevent coming down with the flu. You'll also be better equipped to avoid having COVID-19 and the flu at the same time. And by staying healthy, you’ll leave room in the hospital for people who are seriously ill.

asian woman blowing her nose

Do You Think You Have the Flu?

If you have flu symptoms, schedule a Video Visit or contact your care team through My Health Online. Don’t have a primary care doctor? We can help.

Flu Care at Home

You can treat mild flu symptoms at home. Here are some top self-care tips:

  • Get plenty of rest. If you have signs of the flu, do your best to avoid exposing others to the virus.
  • Take over-the-counter pain medication, such as aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Ask your doctor for alternatives if you are allergic to these medications. Pregnant women should not take ibuprofen and children should not take aspirin.
  • Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, soups and drinks with electrolytes.
  • Take antiviral medications if prescribed by your doctor.

Get Your Flu Shot Today

Related Content

  • Flu Resources
  • Flu Services
  • Flu Care for Children
  • COVID-19 Resources
  • COVID-19 Screener
The Sutter Health Network of Care
Expertise to fit your needs
Primary Care

Check-ups, screenings and sick visits for adults and children.

Specialty Care

Expertise and advanced technologies in all areas of medicine.

Emergency Care

For serious accidents, injuries and conditions that require immediate medical care.

Urgent Care

After-hours, weekend and holiday services.

Walk-In Care

Convenient walk-in care clinics for your non-urgent health needs.

About Sutter

  • About Our Network
  • Annual Report
  • Awards
  • Community Benefit
  • Contact Us
  • News
  • Giving
  • Find Care

  • Birth Centers
  • Care Centers
  • Emergency Rooms
  • Hospitals
  • Imaging
  • Labs
  • Surgery Centers
  • Urgent Care
  • Walk-In Care
  • View All >
  • Featured Services

  • Behavioral Health
  • Cancer Services
  • Family Medicine
  • Home Health and Hospice
  • Orthopedics
  • Pediatrics
  • Pregnancy
  • Primary Care
  • Women's Health
  • View All >
  • Patient Resources

  • Accepted Health Plans
  • Classes and Events
  • Estimate Costs
  • Flu Resources
  • Health and Wellness
  • Medical Records
  • Medicare
  • My Health Online
  • Pay a Bill
  • Symptom Checker
  • Our Team

  • For Employees
  • Physician Careers
  • Recruiting Events
  • Sutter Careers
  • Vendors
  • Volunteers
    • ADA Accessibility
    • Contact
    • Privacy
    • Do Not Sell My Personal Information

    • LinkedIn Opens new window
    • YouTube Opens new window
    • Facebook Opens new window
    • Twitter Opens new window
    • Glassdoor Opens new window
    • Instagram Opens new window

    Copyright © 2021 Sutter Health. All rights reserved. Sutter Health is a registered trademark of Sutter Health ®, Reg. U.S. Patent & Trademark office.

    Cookie Policy

    We use cookies to give you the best possible user experience. By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences

    Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences