Influenza A and B viruses travel through the air in droplets when someone with the infection coughs, sneezes or talks. You can inhale the droplets directly or you can pick up the germs from an object — such as a telephone or computer keyboard — and then transfer them to your eyes, nose or mouth.
Flu Vaccine
The best way to prevent the flu is for you and your family to get a flu shot. It can take two weeks for the flu vaccine to become effective, so make sure to get the vaccine well before the flu starts to spread in your community — ideally before the end of October. The flu shot is free for people with Medicare as long as you get it from a health care provider.
Hand Washing
Flu viruses can live up to 24 hours on surfaces. Regular handwashing for 20 seconds is one of the best ways to remove the germs you pick up from surfaces and prevent the spread of germs to others. Whether you are at home, at work, traveling, or out in the community, find out how handwashing with soap and water for 20 seconds can protect you and your family.
Higher Risk Populations for Flu
- Flu illness is more dangerous than the common cold for children — especially children younger than 5 years old. Each year, millions of children get sick with seasonal flu; thousands of children are hospitalized, and some children die from flu. CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a seasonal flu vaccine each year, ideally by the end of October.
- People 65 years and older are at higher risk of developing serious complications from flu compared with young, healthy adults.
- Adults with chronic health conditions like asthma, heart disease, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease are at greater risk of having serious complications from the flu.
Canyonlands Healthcare is a participant in the Arizona Department of Health Services Vaccines for Children Program. Vaccines for Children provides free immunizations for eligible children from 0-18 years old. Learn about the Vaccines for Children Program at Canyonlands Healthcare.
Make sure your child’s vaccines are up-to-date. Make a well-child visit with your Canyonlands provider. Call 1-877-645-9675
If you aren’t sure about getting a flu vaccine (or any other vaccine) for you or your child, talk with your Canyonlands Healthcare provider. We offer telehealth appointments from your home phone or computer.
Can You Get the Flu and COVID Vaccine at the Same Visit?
You can get a COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines, including a flu vaccine, at the same visit. Experience with other vaccines has shown that the way our bodies develop protection, known as an immune response, and possible side effects after getting vaccinated are generally the same when given alone or with other vaccines.
