Flu season can be unpredictable, so it is important to schedule your appointment as soon as possible.
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The flu vaccine helps protect the entire family* For information about COVID-19 visit, including symptoms and precautions, visit coronavirus.uwhealth.org.
Flu vaccine appointments can be scheduled now at multiple clinics and select UW Health Pharmacies. Scheduled appointments will be available during regular business hours, and on weekends and early evening at select locations.
Schedule your appointment online with MyChart or call your primary care clinic.
For those without health insurance, Public Health Madison and Dane County can help. Learn how
Nearly everyone 6 months of age and older should get a yearly flu vaccine. There are different options including the flu shot and nasal spray. Your age and health help us decide which one is best for you.
You should not get vaccinated if you have a severe allergy to the vaccine or any of its ingredients. Your health care provider will speak with you about your health and allergies to come up with the best prevention strategies for you.
A flu shot can greatly reduce your chances of getting the flu. You need a vaccine every year because flu viruses are always changing. Doctors design the vaccine to work against the viruses they think will be most common each year. We give the vaccines by shot or nasal spray. They're extremely safe.
Flu is most common in the fall and winter. It’s best to get your vaccine before the virus begins spreading. It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to offer full protection.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting your vaccine by the end of October. If you don’t meet that date, you can — and should — get your vaccine as soon as possible.
FluMist is a nasal flu vaccine and will be available in UW Health clinics this year, when stock is available. It will be determined during your appointment by clinic staff/your provider if FluMist can be given.
The flu spreads mainly through tiny droplets that someone expels when they cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets may land in the mouth or nose of others. In some cases, the virus lands on surfaces, such as countertops or doorknobs. Someone may get sick if they touch these surfaces and then touch their mouth or eyes.
To protect yourself and others:
Knowing the symptoms of flu is important. If you’re at high risk for flu complications, you should contact your doctor as soon as you experience them. There are treatments that may help you.
You may be at high risk for flu complications if you:
A cold, the flu and even COVID-19 may seem a lot alike. Learn a few key signs to look for:
Some or all symptoms usually come on suddenly. Symptoms are more severe in people that do not get a flu vaccine.
One or more symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure, with the average being 5 days.
For children under 12 years old, symptoms may include:
Symptoms come on gradually and last about 1-2 weeks.
For additional information on the differences of symptoms between influenza, cold, RSV, strep and COVID-19, including home treatment options and tips for when to see a physician, visit Know the Difference Between a Cold and the Flu.
To confirm that you have flu, we swab the inside of your nose or the back of your throat. There are several different tests. Some give us results in minutes. Others take a bit longer. The longer tests tend to be the most accurate.
Many people get over the flu without treatment. If you’re at high risk for flu complications, your provider may prescribe antiviral medicines. These medicines may ease your symptoms and shorten the time you’re sick. They work best if you take them soon after your symptoms begin. At home, these self-care tips may help:
These tools can help you learn more about flu and how to protect yourself and your family.
Know the Difference Between the Flu, a Cold, RSV, Strep and COVID-19
Not every infectious disease, such as a cold or the flu, can be treated by your health care provider. By knowing the various symptoms and treatment solutions, you can avoid unnecessary visits to the doctor. You'll also be able to identify conditions that need medical attention. Learn more
Defending Your Family Against the Flu
As COVID-19 continues to spread across the nation, it can be easy to overlook or dismiss the seasonal flu. But influenza can also be deadly, especially now. Learn tips to stay healthy during flu season
Common COVID-19 and Flu Myths
Inaccurate health information can swirl around the Internet like a germ-filled fog, spreading faster than a nasty cough or sneeze. And as the COVID-19 pandemic and related research evolve, we continue to learn new information about this virus all the time, making it tough to sort fact from fiction. That confusion, combined with common myths that persist about the seasonal flu, can lead people to make unwise health decisions. Learn the facts behind common COVID-19 and flu myths
Flu or Flu-like Illness
What is the difference between flu and flu-like illness? There is a lot of mis-use of words out there, which can lead to confusion. Flu is often used as a generalized term that stands for influenza but is also used to describe colds and even the stomach flu – which is totally different. SARS-CoV-2 can present with a very wide variety of symptoms including those suggestive of influenza. Learn the difference and why it is important
12 Ways to Stay Healthy During Cold and Flu Season
With the cold and flu season colliding with the COVID-19 pandemic, the best way to combat the flu and other illnesses this season is through preventive measures. Find 12 ways to stay healthy
Appointments are offered at convenient times - including evenings and weekends at select UW Health locations. Schedule your appointment now online with MyChart or call your primary care clinic.
For those without health insurance, Public Health Madison and Dane County can help. Learn how
