The flu is a contagious and potentially serious respiratory illnesses that can lead to serious complications.
Getting a flu shot may not make you completely immune from getting sick, but it can significantly lessen the severity of your symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get a flu shot?
You can get a flu shot at IU Health through your primary care provider, participating urgent care locations or retail pharmacies. Find a flu shot location near you.
Should I get a flu shot this year?
Yes! We encourage all our patients who are eligible to get vaccinated against the flu. The flu shot reduces your risk of getting the flu and the severity of symptoms if you do get sick.
Can I get a flu shot and a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time?
Yes, you can get a flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time. You may get both vaccines in one arm (at least an inch apart) or a vaccine in each arm. It’s up to you.
If you have concern about getting both vaccines at the same time, patients are encouraged to speak with their healthcare provider.
If I decide to wait between my flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine, is there a recommended waiting time between vaccines?
No, there’s no recommended waiting time between getting a flu vaccine and a COVID-19 vaccine.
Will a flu vaccine protect me from COVID-19?
Flu vaccines are not designed to protect against COVID-19. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is your best protection against COVID-19. View our COVID-19 page for more information regarding the COVID-19 vaccine.
Each year, millions of Americans miss work and school because they have a cold or flu (influenza) infection. Viruses cause the common cold and flu so antibiotics cannot treat them.
In order to seek proper medical care, you must understand the differences between the cold and flu. At IU Health, we will work with you to protect your family from these viruses. We'll help you recover quickly if you become ill.
Cold Symptoms
When suffer from a cold, you often have:
- Stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Mild cough
- Possible fatigue
- No fever or headache
While no treatment exists to shorten the length of a cold, you can often manage symptoms with over-the-counter medications. Colds often go away on their own, usually without causing further complications or infections. You might experience multiple colds each year.
Flu Symptoms
The flu often produces more severe symptoms than a cold. With the flu, you often have:
- High fever
- Headache
- Heavy coughing
- Aches
- Fatigue
- No nasal congestion
When severe enough, symptoms of the flu can require hospitalization. Without proper care, the flu can be deadly. You should seek medical attention for high fevers or if you have other medical conditions that the flu may complicate including diabetes, asthma or congestive heart failure. You can get the flu multiple times each year.
If your symptoms concern you or you want to know whether you have the cold or flu, seek help from an IU Health primary care physician.
Prevention
Each year, scientists develop a new flu vaccine because the viruses that cause the flu constantly change. Once the virus has changed, your past immunization may not prevent you from getting sick. You should receive a flu shot each year for protection.
Understanding Cold & Flu
Each year, millions of Americans miss work and school because they have a cold or flu (influenza) infection. Viruses cause the common cold and flu so antibiotics cannot treat them.
In order to seek proper medical care, you must understand the differences between the cold and flu. At IU Health, we will work with you to protect your family from these viruses. We'll help you recover quickly if you become ill.
Cold Symptoms
When suffer from a cold, you often have:
- Stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Mild cough
- Possible fatigue
- No fever or headache
While no treatment exists to shorten the length of a cold, you can often manage symptoms with over-the-counter medications. Colds often go away on their own, usually without causing further complications or infections. You might experience multiple colds each year.
Flu Symptoms
The flu often produces more severe symptoms than a cold. With the flu, you often have:
- High fever
- Headache
- Heavy coughing
- Aches
- Fatigue
- No nasal congestion
When severe enough, symptoms of the flu can require hospitalization. Without proper care, the flu can be deadly. You should seek medical attention for high fevers or if you have other medical conditions that the flu may complicate including diabetes, asthma or congestive heart failure. You can get the flu multiple times each year.
If your symptoms concern you or you want to know whether you have the cold or flu, seek help from an IU Health primary care physician.
Prevention
Each year, scientists develop a new flu vaccine because the viruses that cause the flu constantly change. Once the virus has changed, your past immunization may not prevent you from getting sick. You should receive a flu shot each year for protection.
Schedule Online at IU Health Pharmacy
Our easy-to-use online tool makes it simple to schedule your flu shot at IU Health pharmacy locations.
Save a Spot at Urgent Care
IU Health Urgent Care provides convenient access to the highly skilled physicians of IU Health. Save a spot online or walk in for care.