Influenza (Flu)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in preventing the flu.  If you have health insurance, flu shots are typically covered at no cost, schedule with your local pharmacy. There are many other ways to get your flu shot:

1. At a Pharmacy: Flu shots are available at most pharmacies. No Cost with Most Insurances. View the Vaccine Finder to find a pharmacy where you can get flu shots.

2. With Your Doctor: If you have health insurance, you can get your flu vaccination with your primary care provider. It is often free with health insurance. Check with your doctor's office.

3. At a Local Clinic: Orange County community sites are offering free flu vaccinations. 

4. At the Health Department: If you don't have a primary care provider or health insurance, you can get a free flu shot at the Orange County Health Care Agency Flu Clinic at 1725 W. 17th Street, Santa Ana, CA 92706.  An appointment is needed. Flu shots subject to availability. To make an appointment, please call 1-800-914-4887.

Preventing the Flu

People who have the flu can spread the virus to others. When someone ill with the flu coughs, sneezes or talks, droplets are released. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of those nearby. People can also get the flu by touching a surface or object, such as doorknobs or tables, that has flu virus on it and then touching their mouth or nose afterwards.

In addition to getting the flu shot, there are also everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health and the health of others:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Try to avoid close contact with people who may be at risk of becoming severely ill, such as pregnant women, children, and those with chronic illness (i.e., asthma).

Please view how you can do your part to slow the spread of flu.

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How Do You Know if You Have the Flu

The flu can cause mild to severe illness. It can sometimes lead to death. People who get sick with the flu often feel it come on suddenly and feel some or all of these symptoms:

• fever* or feeling feverish/chills (*not everyone with flu will have a fever)
• cough
• sore throat
• runny or stuffy nose
• muscle or body aches
• headaches
• fatigue (tiredness)
• vomiting or diarrhea (this is more common in children than adults)

Flu is different from a cold. Flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses but caused by different viruses. Both illnesses have similar symptoms but generally, flu symptoms are worse and more intense than the common cold. People sick with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose. Compared to the flu, colds do not lead to serious health problems like pneumonia, bacterial infections or hospitalizations.

Because these two illnesses have similar symptoms, it may sometimes be difficult to distinguish between them based on symptoms alone. In these cases, special tests can determine if a person is sick with flu. These tests usually must be done within the first few days of illness.

Learn more about Cold vs. Flu.

Flu and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses caused by different viruses. Flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses and COVID-19 is caused by infection with a new coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. Flu and COVID-19 share similar symptoms so it may be difficult to differentiate them based solely on symptoms. A diagnostic test can help determine if you are sick with the flu or COVID-19.

To learn more about key similarities and differences between COVID-19 and flu, please view the CDC table that compares COVID-19 and flu with the best available information to date. There is still much that is unknown about COVID-19.

There is possibility that you can be sick with the flu and COVID-19 at the same time. There is still much that is unknown about COVID-19 and health experts are still researching how common it can be to have flu and COVID-19 at the same time.

If you have an illness that could be the flu, stay home and contact your healthcare provider for medical advice. You should be fever-free (less than 100⁰F) without using fever-reducing medications for at least 24 hours. Stay home from others as much as possible to avoid infecting them. Please contact your instructors as soon as possible to inform them of your absence. 

If you or someone you know is sick and shows any of the following symptoms, get IMMEDIATE medical care: 

• Fever over 101⁰F, lasting more than 4 days, or begins later in the illness
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen 
• Lightheadedness or sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Excessive drowsiness
• Soaking sweats
• Shaking chills
• Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea, especially if black or bloody
• Severe dehydration: 
  • Signs include extreme thirst, urinating less than normal, shriveled skin, dizziness and confusion. Children and older adults with signs or symptoms of dehydration require immediate referral to the doctor.
• Symptoms worsening after 2-3 days. 

If you have fever or respiratory symptoms and need to seek medical attention, please wear a face mask when outside of the house and notify the receptionist immediately of your symptoms upon arrival at the facility.

Learn more about flu, visit Influenza (Flu).

Find out more about COVID-19, visit Coronavirus (COVID-19).