It's Not Too Late to Vaccinate

Flu season is not over, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older get a yearly flu shot as soon as vaccines becomes available, even if you got vaccinated last year. This shot will help protect against a number of flu viruses.  

Some people are at a higher risk for serious flu complications. This group includes young children, people ages 65 and older, pregnant women, and people with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease. Families and caregivers of these people should also get an annual flu shot to reduce their risk of getting the flu.

The 2011-2012 flu vaccine protects against viruses that will likely be most common during the season. People who got vaccinated last year need to get vaccinated again because flu immunity declines over time and may be too low to provide protection after a year.

Where to go to get vaccinated

There are many places in San Mateo County that offer flu vaccine. Learn more

Signs and symptoms of flu

People who have the flu often feel some or all of these signs and symptoms:

• Fever* or feeling feverish/chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue (very tired)
• Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

*It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.

How flu spreads

Most experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, eyes or possibly their nose.

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