Influenza (Flu)

An annual flu vaccine shot is recommended for everyone 6 months and older, with rare exceptions. 

Influenza (flu) is an infection from a virus. It can cause a fever, body aches, a headache and a cough. It's contagious and usually lasts about a week or two. Flu symptoms are usually worse than a cold and last longer. Most flu outbreaks happen in late fall and winter. Because symptoms may not start for a couple of days, you may pass the flu to someone before you know you have it.

How can I get a flu shot?

• Schedule your flu shot online.
• Get your flu shot during a regularly scheduled visit with an Ohio State provider
• Schedule an appointment with Ohio State Express Care or Urgent Care
• Stop by an Ohio State pharmacy located in The James, University Hospital, East Hospital, Outpatient Care Dublin, Outpatient Care Upper Arlington or Outpatient Care New Albany.
• Check with your insurance carrier to confirm the cost, if any, of the flu vaccine. We accept many insurance plans at Ohio State

How does COVID-19 impact the flu season?

While the flu shot won’t directly protect you from COVID-19, it’s another tool to keep you and the community safe. The seasonal flu vaccine remains very important and is highly recommended.

We recommend getting both the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine. You can receive both vaccines at the same time through your primary care provider or at one of our Express Care or Urgent Care locations; one vaccine will not affect the immune response to the other. You may receive the flu shot in a drive-up location instead of inside your doctor’s office. The protective measures that are in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus can also help limit the transmission of the flu. 

What causes the flu?

The flu is caused by the influenza virus. The two common types each season are labeled type A and type B. Type A usually causes the yearly outbreaks that often occur in the late fall and early winter. The flu is spread from one person to another through direct contact such as shaking hands, sneezing or coughing, and touching contaminated surfaces.

Risk factors for severe symptoms and complications are:

• Children age 2 and younger
• Adults age 65 and older
• Pregnant women
• People who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), other lung diseases or heart failure
• People who have a suppressed immune system

What are the symptoms of the flu?

Cold and flu symptoms can be tough to tell apart since they have similar symptoms. Flu symptoms generally come on more rapidly and more intensely than those of a cold. These symptoms include:

• Dry cough, runny nose and sore throat
• Fever of 100.4 or higher
• Body aches or muscle pain
• Headache
• Fatigue

If you have one or more of these symptoms, call your doctor to determine if you should be tested for the flu:

• Call your primary care provider     
• Schedule an appointment with Ohio State Urgent Care or Express Care
• If you don't have a primary care provider, connect with Express Care for an assessment at 614-293-3200.

Should I get a flu shot?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), everyone 6 months and older should be vaccinated against the flu with rare exception. It takes about two weeks to develop immunity after receiving the flu vaccine. When you get the flu shot, it also protects others around you by preventing transmission of the influenza virus.

While it's possible to get the flu even after receiving the vaccine, getting the flu shot also decreases the chances of hospitalization if you do get the flu.

In addition to vaccination, practice healthy habits to protect yourself such as:

• Frequent hand-washing
• Avoiding touching your face
• Staying home if you don’t feel well