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Flu season is here, and the best way to protect yourself is to get a flu shot.
Flu vaccine is now widely available, and all County residents ages six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated through their healthcare provider. If you do not have a healthcare provider, the vaccine is also available at retail pharmacies and stores, such as Walgreens, Safeway, and Costco.
You can get flu shots at:
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Your doctor's office
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Retail pharmacies and stores (call first to check vaccine availability) Flu Clinic Locator
For updates and general information, call the County Flu Hotline at (650) 573-3927.
General Info and Vaccine Safety Information
2012-13 San Mateo County Seasonal Influenza Reports
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Volume 5, Issue 11. Week 15: April 6-12, 2013
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Volume 5, Issue 10. Week 13: March 23-30, 2013
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Volume 5, Issue 9. Week 11: March 10-16, 2013
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Volume 5, Issue 8. Week 9: February 24-March 2, 2013
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Volume 5, Issue 7. Week 6: February 3-9, 2013
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Volume 5, Issue 6. Week 4: January 20-26, 2013
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Volume 5, Issue 5. Week 2: January 6-12, 2013
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Volume 5, Issue 4. Week 52: December 23-29, 2012
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Volume 5, Issue 3. Week 47: November 18-24, 2012
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Volume 5, Issue 2. Week 45: November 4-10, 2012
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Volume 5, Issue 1. Week 43: October 21-27, 2012
Frequently Asked Questions
When is flu season?
In the United States, the peak of flu season happens any time from late November through March.
Where can I go to get the seasonal flu vaccine?
Contact your medical provider for information about getting the flu vaccine. Vaccine usually becomes available in October. Keep checking back for information about Health System-sponsored vaccine clinics.
I got the flu vaccine last year. Do I need to get it again this year?
Yes. Flu viruses change from year to year, and the vaccine is updated each year to provide protection against current viruses.
What are the symptoms of seasonal flu?
People who have the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:
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Fever or feeling feverish/chills
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Cough
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Sore throat
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Runny or stuffy nose
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Muscle or body aches
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Headaches
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Fatigue
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Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
How can I protect myself?
The best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated every year.
You can also take everyday steps to avoid getting and spreading the flu virus:
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Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or the inside of your elbow when you cough.
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Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or the inside of your elbow when you cough, and throw the tissue away.
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Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol hand cleaner, and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
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Stay away from people who are sick.
Who should get a flu shot?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older get a yearly flu shot. 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.
Is the flu shot safe, and can it give me the flu?
The flu shot is safe and effective. The flu shot does not contain any live viruses, so you cannot get the flu from the flu shot.
How is seasonal flu treated?
People sick with the flu should make sure they drink fluids, get plenty of rest, eat healthy foods, wash their hands frequently and stay home to avoid giving the flu to other people. Over the counter pain medicines may also help people with the flu feel more comfortable. For more information, contact your medical provider.
Where can I find more information?
Contact your medical provider or call the County flu hotline at (650) 573-3927.
