Flu vaccine, prevention and treatment
Protect yourself with a flu shot at UW Medicine — and count on us for care if you have symptoms.
Flu vaccine, prevention and treatment
Protect yourself with a flu shot at UW Medicine — and count on us for care if you have symptoms.
Spread good vibes not flu
Influenza — also known as the flu or seasonal flu — is a virus that spreads easily when someone coughs, sneezes or even talks. It’s called “seasonal flu” because it typically appears in the fall and winter, but it can last longer. The flu can be very dangerous for young children, especially those under age 2, and for people of any age with health problems like asthma, diabetes, or heart and lung disease. In some cases, it can even be life-threatening.
Getting a flu shot is the most effective way to prevent severe illness and slow down the spread of flu in your community.
Who should get a flu shot?
The Washington State Department of Health and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine each year.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists strongly recommend that all adults receive an annual flu vaccine during every pregnancy, as soon as the vaccine becomes available.
Children 6 months to 8 years old may need one or two doses, so check with your child’s primary care provider.
How do I get a flu shot?
Flu vaccines will be available at UW Medicine beginning Oct. 1, 2025. UW Medicine has more than 24 primary care clinics throughout the Puget Sound region that offer flu vaccines to patients.
If you already have an appointment scheduled with your provider, be sure to ask about getting the flu shot. If you want to get a COVID-19 vaccine at the same appointment, let your provider know ahead of time so they can prepare.
Schedule a flu shot online
Current UW Medicine primary care patients can schedule a flu shot online in MyChart at participating clinics.
Call to schedule a flu shot appointment
New and existing patients may call 206.550.5000 for all UW Medicine primary care clinics.
Order FluMist for at home use
FLUMIST is a vaccine that is sprayed into the nose to help protect against influenza in people ages 2 through 49 years. FLUMIST may not prevent influenza in everyone who gets vaccinated. Learn more about ordering FluMist.
Visit a local pharmacy
Go to a pharmacy near you that offers the flu shot.
On-demand video visit
Start an on-demand video visit in MyChart with the first available primary care provider who can diagnose and outline care options. Available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.
Interpreters are available.
E-Visit questionnaires
Current patients can get same-day treatment for Cold and Flu symptoms by filling out a questionnaire in MyChart. Submit anytime and a provider will respond in 1-2 days.
Urgent care visit
Get in line or walk in for a visit at one of our urgent care clinics for minor accidents and illnesses. Open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Interpreters are available.
More information about seasonal flu
What is the flu?
Influenza (flu) is a viral respiratory tract infection that spreads easily, and its symptoms usually start suddenly.
Flu viruses continually change, which is why updated flu vaccines are developed every year to protect against new strains of the virus. With the presence of other illnesses such as COVID-19 and RSV during this time of year, getting your annual flu shot is more important than ever. These viruses can increase your risk of severe complications if you get sick with more than one illness at the same time.
How can I prevent getting or spreading the flu?
The best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu shot every year. You can also lower your chances of getting the flu or spreading the flu by:
- Staying home when sick and staying away from people who are sick.
- Wearing a mask.
- Washing your hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Not touching your face — especially your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Cleaning surfaces and things people touch a lot.
- Covering your coughs and sneezes.
What are common flu symptoms?
The flu typically comes on suddenly and can range from mild to severe. Common flu symptoms include:
- Fever or chills – not everyone will have a fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue or feeling tired
- Vomiting – more common in children
- Diarrhea – more common in children
Current MyChart users can use the Symptom Checker for care instructions or submit an E-Visit questionnaire using MyChart for Cold and Flu symptoms. A provider usually responds to E-Visit questionnaires within a day, and they are available anytime from anywhere in Washington state.
New and current patients can start an on-demand video visit.
How is the flu diagnosed?
The flu is diagnosed based on your symptoms and a lab test. If your doctor thinks you have the flu, they may do a simple test to confirm it, such as a swab of your nose.
How is the flu treated?
Treatment options depend on the severity of your symptoms, age and overall health. Treatment may include rest, staying hydrated, over-the-counter medications for congestion and antiviral medications.
Antiviral medications require a prescription from your provider. For the best results, they should be started within two days of noticing your flu symptoms.
Talk to your primary care provider for more information.
What should I do if I get sick?
- Take antiviral medicine if your primary care provider prescribes it. T
- ake steps to keep others from getting sick.
- Stay home until you feel better.
- Only leave home to get medical care.
- You can return to normal activities when both of the following are true for at least 24 hours:
- Your symptoms are improving.
- You have not had a fever without using medicine to lower it.
What are complications of the flu?
Complications of the flu include infections, such as pneumonia or bronchitis, the worsening of chronic health conditions and dehydration.