The seasonal flu occurs each year. What is the simplest way to keep the flu away? In short: the flu shot.

COVID-19 is different from the flu and caused by a different virus. While COVID-19 and the flu can have similar symptoms testing might be needed to confirm the diagnosis. Contact your family physician if you are experiencing any flu like symptoms. Learn more about COVID-19.

Who Should be Vaccinated Against the Flu?

Hill Physicians recommends all individuals over the age of 6 months be immunized. A seasonal flu shot is also a good idea for people who are at high risk for getting other health problems from the flu. This includes:

Adults age 65 and older.
Long-term, chronic disease patients with conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney or respiratory disease, including asthma.
Nursing homes or long-term care center residents.
People who have a weakened immune system.
Women who are or will be pregnant during the flu season.
Children younger than 5 years old. Read more about Flu Shots for Children (The flu shot is recommended for all children from 6
months to 18 years of age.)
Anyone who lives with or cares for a child who is younger than 5 years old.
Caregivers (includes family and friends) in close contact with a person who is at high risk for complications from the flu.
Healthcare workers.

Your doctor’s office is the best resource for vaccination. If your physicians’ office has any issues with supply and demand, don’t hesitate to find the nearest retail location for the vaccine near you. Need More? Health Tip: Seasonal Flu Vaccine Fast Facts…

Hill Physicians will reimburse all members for vaccinations provided by retail pharmacies if their provider offices do not have the vaccine available.

Why Should Some People Avoid the Flu Shot?

They are allergic to eggs. Those with severe allergic reactions to eggs should consult their physician on an egg free alternative.
They may have had a bad reaction to the flu shot in the past.
Children diagnosed with a rare nerve disorder called Guillain-Barre syndrome after they had a flu shot.
If you are ill and have a fever, wait until you’re better to get a flu shot.

General Information on the Flu

The most common flu is the seasonal flu. Its symptoms include fever, body aches, a headache, a dry cough, and a sore or dry throat. You may feel tired and less hungry than usual. The symptoms usually are the worst for the first 3 or 4 days, but it can take 1 to 2 weeks to get completely better. Most people can treat flu symptoms at home by resting, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking medicine to lower your fever. Learn more about Influenza.

Sure you know everything there is to know about the flu? Test your knowledge about What’s True and the Flu…

More Advice on How to Stay Healthy this Flu Season

This additional information can help you stay well and provide additional information on the seasonal flu:

Latest News and Research about Colds and Flu

The Common Cold

What exactly is the common cold? What are the symptoms and treatments and how is it diagnosed?

Test your knowledge: How much do you know about the Common Cold? Get a better understanding of the Common Cold and what it is…

Bacterial infections and viruses are treated differently. Learn more about the cold virus. Always consult with a physician before taking antibiotics or treating yourself with prescription medications.

Self-Care

There are many things you can do to relieve the symptoms of the common cold and aid in your recovery.

Complementary/Herbal Remedies

There are conflicting conclusions about complementary treatments using certain herbs, vitamins and supplements to prevent or “cure” the common cold. A doctor of osteopathy may use these and other holistic methods to treat illnesses including the cold. Learn more about these Herbal Remedies. health library To find a doctor who includes these types of treatments look for the D.O. behind their name instead of the M.D.

Children and Colds

A cold virus can be hard on the little ones. Be ready to help your kids by Understanding the common cold in children.

Learn what to do:

Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

Since the 1980s, cases of pertussis (whooping cough) have been increasing in the United States despite the availability of a vaccine. Highly contagious and often mistaken for the common cold it is important to diagnose and treat whooping cough immediately. Protect your family by learning about Whooping Cough in our health library. Many breathing problems may require clinical care by a doctor or other health professional.

Learn more about other common Upper Respiratory Disorders…