Medi-Cal Beneficiaries

Cold & Flu

Did you know? Viruses cause colds, flu and most sore throats and coughs. Make sure you get ready for the flu season. Everyone 6 months and older should get the flu shot. If you are 19 and older you can get yours at the pharmacy. Check with your child’s pediatrician to schedule a flu shot for your child.

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Cold & Flu

COVID-19 is still around, and flu season is here. Whether it’s allergies, cold, flu or COVID-19, let’s keep each other safe by continuing to:

  • Get Your Flu Shot
  • Wash Your Hands—Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if you can’t wash your hands.
  • Avoid Close Contact—with anyone who may have a cold/flu symptoms.
  • Stay Home—if you are sick for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone. Cover your nose and mouth with your elbow/sleeve when cough or sneeze.
  • Stay Home—if you or someone you live with gets sick or tests positive for COVID-19.

Which is it? Allergies, COVID-19, COLD or Flu?

Not sure if you have COVID-19 or the flu? The best way to know is to get tested. For a list of difference visit www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/flu-vs-covid19.htm

What Causes Colds & Flu

Viruses cause colds, flu and most sore throats and coughs.

How can I help avoid getting sick?
  • Wash hands with soap and water often.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
  • Get the “flu shot” or nasal-spray flu vaccine in October, November or December.
What if I become sick?
  • Keep away from others.
  • Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
  • Clean shared surfaces often.
  • Stay home from work, school and other social events (when possible).
When should I go to the doctor?
Most health children and adults don’t need to go to the doctor if they have a virus. If you or your child has any of the following signs, going to the doctor is a good idea:

  • An infant becomes sick.
  • High fever (over 103) or fever (over 101) that lasts over 48 hours.
  • Cough, fever, or ear pain that lasts more than 10 days.
  • Severe ear pain.
  • Severe headache or pain in the face.
  • Severe sore throat with high fever or swollen “glands”.
  • Hard time breathing or chest pain.
  • Flu symptoms (body aches, high fever, tiredness, cough, sore throat) especially if you have other health problems and especially if there is a local flu outbreak.
  • Symptoms that don’t get better.
When should I go to the emergency department?
Learn the signs of problems that may be dangerous. These problems should be treated in the emergency room right away.

  • Moderate or severe difficulty breathing.
  • Very sleepy or hard to wake up.
  • Stiff neck.
  • Not able to swallow or keep fluids down.
  • If you are not sure call the HealthReach Advice Nurse Line.
Do I need antibiotics?
Viruses cause most colds and “flu” infections. Since antibiotics do not work against viruses, they will not help viral infections and can be harmful. Your doctor will know of you need antibiotics. If your doctor doesn’t give you an antibiotic, ask for more information.

What else should I do if I get sick?
  • Rest and drink plenty of liquids (juice and water).
  • Avoid alcohol and tobacco, including vape pens and electronic nicotine delivery devices..
  • Talk to your doctor about what medications to take to help with symptoms.

Advice Nurse Line
Call HPSJ’s 24/7 HealthReach Advice Nurse line at for more information. You can also visit your local public health web page below:

Flu Shot Vaccine
Find flu vaccines in your area
Everyone 6 months of age and older needs a flu vaccine.

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Posted on July 23rd, 2015 and last modified on November 8th, 2023.

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