Colds & Flu - HPSJ/MVHP

What to know about the FLU and YOU

The flu is not the same as the common cold or COVID-19.
Flu shots can prevent illness and reduce severe symptoms of the flu.
Each year, up to 60,000 Californians are hospitalized due to flu complications, including healthy kids and adults. Getting a flu shot reduces your risk of hospitalization by about 40–60%.
A 2022 study showed that flu shots reduced children’s risk of severe life-threatening flu by 75%.

Call Health Plan’s 24/7 Advice Nurse line at 1-800-655-8294 for more information

Tips for flu season

Get your flu shot

Try to avoid close contact with sick people

If you are sick, try to stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone

Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze

Wash your hands often

CDC flu information

Flu shots for children

The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends the flu shot for children over the age of 6 months. For children 6 months or older, they should get a flu shot each year. If your child’s first dose happens between 6 months to 9 years old they may need 2 doses. The flu shot is a safe way to keep your family healthy this season.

Protect your child with a flu shot:

Schedule an appointment with your child’s pediatrician today.

Need help finding a doctor?

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Frequently asked questions

Can me or my child get sick from the flu shot?

The flu shot will not give you the flu. You can talk to your doctor or your child’s pediatrician about potential side effects from vaccinations.

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.