Keep the cold at bay

Get your flu shot so you can keep yourself and others healthy

Now that winter is here, we need to make sure we’re doing all that we can to keep ourselves healthy. That includes getting your annual flu shot. Everyone older than 6 months should get a yearly flu shot, and you can get it at no cost to you.

Preventive actions

Getting a flu shot is one of the best ways to stay healthy this winter. Flu vaccines will help prevent the worst side effects of the flu if you do catch it. Those who are vaccinated may still get sick but may only experience mild to moderate symptoms.

In addition to a flu shot, here are some other preventive actions the CDC suggests for staying healthy during flu season:

• Don’t get too close to others who are sick
• Wash your hands often with soap and water (use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available)
• Stay home when you feel sick
• Use sanitizing wipes on shared surfaces
• Cough and/or sneeze into your elbow

Symptoms

Here are some of the most common flu symptoms:

• Fever or feeling feverish/chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle pain or body aches
• Headache
• Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults

If you do experience these symptoms, talk to your doctor about treatment options and if you should get tested for COVID-19.

Get your flu shot

You can get your flu shot at no cost to you at your doctor’s office, a pharmacy or other locations. If you need help finding a place to get vaccinated, visit vaccines.gov/find-vaccines to find a location near you.