Flu

Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. There are two main types or strains of influenza virus; types A and B. Influenza A and B viruses are responsible for seasonal flu epidemics each year.

Anyone can get the flu, and flu disease can be serious. Flu affects people of all ages and can cause severe illness resulting in hospitalization and death. Protect yourself and your family by getting vaccinated as soon as possible —and by educating yourself about this season’s flu. If you don’t have your own healthcare provider, visit the Health Map Finder and type in your zip code- Health Map Finder to find the nearest location to get immunized and help stop the spread of Flu in Washington.

After getting vaccinated, protect yourself from the flu by doing the following:

1. Wash your hands with warm water and Soap often.
2. Cover your cough- try using a tissue or your inner elbow.
3. Stay home when you're sick.
4. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
5. The Seasonal Flu

The Seasonal Flu

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Everyone 6 months of age and older should get the flu vaccine every year.

Seasonal flu refers to the flu viruses that circulate during the late fall and winter months each year, in the United States flu seasons often peak in February and March.  Flu vaccines are created each year to help protect people each season.

Protect yourself and others

• Get a flu vaccine each year
• Cover your cough or sneeze
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
• Stay home and away from others while you or your family members are sick
• If your symptoms are severe, contact your doctor, especially if you are at high risk of developing flu-related complications. Antiviral treatment drugs are a treatment option but they must be prescribed by a doctor.

Flu Vaccine

The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine each year. Within two weeks of vaccination, antibodies develop that protect against influenza virus infection.

Trivalent flu vaccines protect against two strains of influenza A and one strain of influenza B. Quadrivalent vaccines protect against an additional strain of influenza B.

Trivalent vaccines include:

• The standard flu shot, given in the arm with a needle;
• A vaccine for persons aged 18 through 64 years given with a jet injector;
• Two high-dose vaccines intended to create a stronger immune system response for persons 65 years and older and;
• A shot that is egg-free for persons 18 years and older, including pregnant women.

Quadrivalent vaccines include:

• The standard flu shot, given in the arm with a needle;
• An intradermal vaccine that uses a very small needle, available for those 18 through 64 years of age;
• A vaccine grown in cell culture, approved for persons 4 years of age and older and;
• A recombinant vaccine approved for persons 18 years of age and older.

View detailed information and product names.

Flu Vaccine Update for 2025–2026:

The nasal spray flu vaccine (FluMist) is approved for use this flu season. It can be given to healthy, non-pregnant people ages 2 to 49.

People with egg allergies can safely get a flu shot. If you've only had hives from eggs, you can get any flu vaccine. If you've had more serious reactions (like trouble breathing or vomiting), you can still get any flu vaccine—but it should be done in a medical setting with a doctor or nurse nearby. Serious allergic reactions are very rare.