Flu and other respiratory viruses

What is influenza or the flu?

Influenza, more commonly called the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus.

• Flu spreads by droplets from coughs, sneezing, and even talking.
• You may infect others before you even know you’re sick.
• Flu can be severe and even lead to death. It usually comes on suddenly.
• Signs include:
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Muscle aches
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Vomiting and diarrhea (more likely in children than adults)

How can I prevent getting the flu?

The best way to prevent getting the flu is to get your annual flu shot. In addition to getting vaccinated, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these 5 tips to avoid the flu and other respiratory viruses:

1. Keep it clean

Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer to reduce germs. Disinfect high-traffic areas at home and at work, like doorknobs and keyboards.

2. Keep hands away

One way people catch germs is by touching a germy area and then touching their eyes, nose, or mouth. Limit touching your face, especially while in public.

3. Keep your distance

Flu viruses can be spread up to 6 feet when an infected person coughs, sneezes or even talks. Keep your distance if someone has a respiratory illness.

4. Keep covered

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue. If you don’t have one handy, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow instead of your hands.

5.  Keep your immune system strong

You’re more likely to get sick if you have a weak immune system. Getting enough sleep, managing stress, eating healthy foods, and staying active are a few ways to keep your body strong enough to fight off infection.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

How much does a flu shot cost?

Most Florida Blue members can get a flu shot and other preventive vaccines at no extra cost when they go to an in-network doctor or pharmacy.

• Florida Blue Centers offer community vaccine events in the fall. In addition to the flu vaccine, several other routine vaccines will be available. Flu shots are available to those age 3 and over.

Book an appointment to get your shots with the Florida Blue online scheduler. Seach “Vaccinations with Walgreens.”

Can I get the flu from a flu shot?

You can’t get the flu from the flu shot. The injected flu vaccine doesn’t have any living virus and cannot cause the flu. Watch this video to learn more.

What is the best time of the year to get the flu shot?

Your health care provider may recommend waiting until October to get your flu shot to be sure that protection lasts through the height of flu season (December, January, February). It will take two weeks for the vaccine to reach full effectiveness.

How important is it for children to be vaccinated?

A flu shot is especially important for high-risk groups, including older adults, children, and pregnant women.

I'm young, healthy and have never had the flu, so do I really need a flu shot?

A flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and others from serious illness. The flu can make you sick for days or weeks, potentially landing you in the hospital or causing you to miss work or important life events. Watch this video to learn more.

Are there special flu shots for people 65 and older?

If you are over 65 you will get a high-dose flu shot. Watch this video to hear from a doctor why the flu shot is so important for you.

Do I still need to get a COVID-19 booster?

The CDC recommends everyone ages 6 months and older receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against COVID-19 this fall and winter whether or not they have ever previously been vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine.

• Updated COVID-19 vaccines will be available this season from Moderna, Novavax, and Pfizer. The FDA has approved release which targets the latest virus strain causing recent increases. These will be available in the next few weeks.
• The virus that causes COVID-19 is always changing and protection from COVID-19 vaccines declines over time. Receiving an updated vaccine can restore and enhance protection against the virus variants currently responsible for most infections and hospitalizations in the United States. 
• COVID-19 vaccination also reduces the chance of suffering the effects of Long COVID, which can develop during or following acute infection and last for an extended duration.

Can I get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time?

Yes! And the CDC recommends getting both the flu shot and COVID-19 booster to protect yourself and others. If you get both vaccines at the same time they will be given in different arms. There is not currently a combination vaccine for both flu and COVID-19 but studies continue to be promising for future release.

I’m familiar with the flu and COVID-19, but what is RSV?

Respiratory syncytial virus, more commonly known as RSV is a common virus that affects the lungs and breathing passages.

• Like the flu and COVID-19, RSV is a contagious respiratory virus. This means they are spread from person to person through respiratory droplets – think sneezing or coughing – or hand-to-hand contact.
• Most kids will have had a case of RSV by the time they are 2 years old, per the CDC. 

How serious is RSV?

Most RSV infections go away on their own in a week or two, but sometimes more serious symptoms can happen, which can cause shortness of breath and low oxygen levels. RSV can also lead to worsening of other medical conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or congestive heart failure.

Is there a way to prevent RSV?

Yes, there are different preventive options available, according to the CDC:

• Nirsevimab is for babies and some young children to protect them from severe RSV.
• Pfizer’s Abrysvo is available for pregnant mothers at weeks 32-36 of pregnancy to pass on protection to their baby.
• Three RSV vaccines are licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in adults aged 60 and older in the United States.
  • The CDC recommends all adults ages 75 and older get an RSV vaccine, as well as all adults ages 60-74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV illness. 
  • This recommendation is for adults who did not get an RSV vaccine last year. 
  • The RSV vaccine is not currently an annual vaccine, meaning people do not need to get a dose every RSV season. 
  • Eligible adults can get an RSV vaccine at any time, but the best time to get vaccinated is in late summer and early fall before RSV usually starts to spread in communities.

How do I know when I should stay home or not when I have a respiratory illness?

This helpful infographic from the CDC can help guide you.