Simple actions can lower the chances of getting and spreading respiratory viruses. These precautions are especially important for people at higher risk of severe illness.

San Mateo County Health is urging that everyone over the age of six months get a flu shot to protect themselves and their loved ones. The best way to reduce your risk from seasonal flu and its potentially serious complications is to get vaccinated every year. The flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine can be administered at the same time.

Older adults, pregnant women, young adults, children and people with other underlying health conditions are most at risk of getting the flu, but everyone six months and older should get vaccinated.

It takes two weeks after being immunized to be fully protected, so it’s best not to delay getting a shot.

You can get flu shots from:

• Your primary health care provider.
• Retail pharmacies and stores, with information and appointments available on MyTurn.

Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue. There are other viruses that can cause these symptoms, but a high fever and bad cough usually indicate flu.

No-cost flu and COVID-19 vaccines for uninsured and underinsured residents are available from San Mateo County Health’s local community partners. No appointments, insurance or ID are needed.