2022-2023 Flu Season: It’s more important than ever to protect yourself and your family from the flu by getting your flu shot—and getting it early in the season. An annual flu shot protects against the four flu strains most likely in circulation this season. If you get the flu, your flu shot may help reduce the severity of your symptoms.
Flu causes fever, sore throat, muscle aches and other symptoms. It can be transmitted by coughing, sneezing and close contact with others who have the flu—similar to the transmission of the coronavirus illness, COVID-19. As with COVID-19, severe cases can result in hospitalization and even death.
To protect yourself and those you love from getting the flu, follow the same measures you take now to prevent COVID-19 spread:
Flu and COVID-19 viruses share many of the same symptoms. If you experience any flu-like symptoms, avoid contact with others and call your provider’s office for guidance, or use Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Virtual Urgent Care.
Want to know more about the ins and outs of the flu shot? We’ve got you covered.
We are not offering flu clinics at this time but encourage all eligible patients to get the flu vaccine from a community pharmacy. Flu vaccines are available at Franciscan Pharmacies in Federal Way, Tacoma, and Lakewood (no appointment required). Get your vaccine today and help protect yourself during the flu season.
Wash your hands often
Washing your hands with soap and water is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Handwashing can prevent one in five respiratory infections, such as colds and flu, and one in three diarrhea-related sicknesses.
You can help yourself and your loved ones stay healthy by washing your hands often, especially during these key times when you are likely to get and spread germs:
Washing your hands the right way removes more germs.