Avoid the flu — get a flu shot
Influenza, or flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus. Common symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose and muscle aches and pains. Flu season commonly starts in late fall and can run into the spring.
Health experts agree that the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from flu is to get an influenza vaccine, more commonly known as a flu shot, before the start of flu season each year.
The flu and COVID-19
The flu and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, although they are caused by different viruses. Many symptoms of the flu and COVID-19 are the same, including:
- Fever or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle pain or body aches
- Headache
Read more about the similarities and differences of the flu and COVID-19 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
If you have questions about your symptoms or care, contact your health care provider.
What to do if you are sick
If you’ve been diagnosed with or test positive for flu, the CDC recommends staying home and away from others until your symptoms are getting better and you’re fever-free for least 24 hours. If you’re in a high-risk category, it’s best to seek prompt care and treatment to lower your chance of becoming seriously ill.
If you have questions about your symptoms or care, contact your health care provider. Call 911 or go to the emergency department right away if your symptoms are life-threatening.
Keeping our MultiCare hospitals and clinics influenza free
Generally speaking, masks are optional, but highly recommended, in most areas of our hospitals and clinics. Visitors may be required to wear a mask in some areas to protect patients who are at higher risk of infection, such as those in adult or pediatric critical care units or those who are receiving cancer treatment or dialysis.
High-risk areas will be marked with a sign requiring a mask. We may also require masking in our hospitals and clinics when levels of COVID-19, flu and/or RSV are high in the communities where these facilities are located. You can learn more by reading our visitor policies.