Influenza (flu)
Last content update: 12/2/24
Masks are required for patients, visitors, and staff in patient care areas of health care delivery facilities in Santa Clara County from November 1 through March 31 of each year.
For more information, visit our Public Health Orders webpage.
Respiratory virus season is here - stay up to date on your vaccines to help prevent sick days and protect yourself and others!
Vaccines are the best defense against respiratory viruses. Everyone aged 6 months and older should get the updated 2024-2025 flu and COVID-19 vaccines. RSV vaccines are also recommended for some older adults, pregnant people, and infants - learn more here.
Schedule a vaccine appointment by visiting vaccines.gov or contacting your healthcare provider or local pharmacy.
Feeling sick? Read our respiratory virus guidelines.
The County of Santa Clara Public Health Department is monitoring a multi-state outbreak of H5N1 bird flu in dairy cows in the United States. For more information, visit the Public Health Department's H5N1 Bird Flu webpage.
You need a flu shot every year!
Every person aged 6 months and older needs the flu vaccine, every year. Vaccines are the best defense against flu - they are safe and effective and reduce your chance of getting sick or becoming seriously ill.
The flu vaccine offers many months of protection but does not last forever. Also, the strains of influenza spreading in the community change over time. It is important to get the new vaccine every year.
Where to get a flu shot
If you have health insurance, you can get your flu shot from your regular doctor. You can also schedule an appointment at a local pharmacy or clinic near you.
Flu shots are also available from Santa Clara Valley Healthcare. Find a Valley Healthcare clinic or visit Better Health Pharmacy for free flu shots during the following hours:
- Tuesday to Friday 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
- Saturday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 4 p.m.
How does the flu vaccine benefit me?
- It is the best way to avoid getting the flu
- Reduces sick days and missed work or school due to the flu
- Prevents flu-related hospitalizations and serious complications
- Protects those you care for, work with, and live with
More about flu
Influenza, also called flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Flu symptoms usually start suddenly. Common symptoms of flu include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Headache
- Muscle or body aches
- Fatigue (feeling tired)
Flu is not the same as the common cold, which is caused by different viruses. It is not COVID, which is also caused by a different virus.
To be fully protected, you and your family members will need to get vaccinations for both the seasonal flu and COVID. These vaccines can be given to you on the same day.
Learn more about the difference between colds and flu
Learn more about the difference between COVID and flu
Severe flu is dangerous
Anyone can get the flu - even healthy people - and serious problems from the flu can happen at any age. Most people who get flu will recover in a few days to less than two weeks. However, flu can cause severe illness in some cases.
Some groups are more likely to get very sick from the flu, such as:
- People over age 65
- Young children
- Pregnant women
- People who have health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease
Learn more about groups at higher risk of flu complications
What can you do?
You can take the following steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from flu and other respiratory viruses:
- Get a flu vaccine every year, ideally before the end of October
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Cover your coughs and sneezes
- If you are sick, stay home from work or school and follow respiratory virus guidelines
- If you are sick and at high risk for serious complications from the flu, contact your medical provider because you may need additional treatment or hospital care
Learn more about how to prevent flu
Data on flu in Santa Clara County
The County of Santa Clara Public Health Department monitors influenza activity throughout the year.
View the respiratory virus data dashboard