Flu Preparedness Information

Page updated on February 10, 2022 at 10:30 AM

Protect Yourself, Protect Others: Get a Flu Vaccine Every Year

Everyone 6 months of age and older should be vaccinated against the flu. The circulating strains of flu are a good match with those included in this year’s approved version of the vaccine. AHD encourages everyone to get a flu vaccine as an important step for personal and community health.

If you are pregnant, you can and should receive the flu shot during any trimester. Pregnant women are at higher risk of flu-related complications. If you get immunized during pregnancy, the antibodies will help protect you and your baby for up to 6 months after birth. For more information on receiving the flu shot while pregnant, visit the CDC’s website.

Where to Get a Flu Shot

If you were unable to make it to a free Health Department flu clinic, you can always receive a flu shot at:

  • Doctor’s offices or clinics

  • Drug stores

  • Grocery stores with a pharmacy

  • The Alexandria Health Department

Regardless of where you receive your flu shot, there are some things you can do to make sure your trip is successful:

  • Call ahead to check that vaccines are available, and whether an appointment or fees are required

  • If you’re 65 or over, ask if the provider has the recommended high dose vaccine for seniors

  • Wear a mask during your visit

  • Don’t get a flu shot if you’re currently sick, wait until you feel well

For questions, call the Alexandria Health Department at 703.746.4888

The Flu, COVID-19 and You

Because a flu shot does not protect against COVID-19 and a COVID-19 vaccine does not protect against flu, it is important to get both shots. Find a COVID-19 vaccination clinic near you here. You can get a flu shot no matter how recently you have gotten a COVID shot, and you can even get both at the same time. If you are 65 or older, you are at higher risk for serious complications of the flu, so ask your healthcare provider about flu vaccines designed specifically for seniors like the high-dose flu shot and be sure to get vaccinated. The Alexandria Health Department has compiled a list of local providers that carry both COVID-19 and high-dose flu vaccines here.

Influenza (flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses; because some of the symptoms of the flu and COVID-19 are similar, it may be hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone, and COVID-19 testing may be needed to help confirm a diagnosis. Flu and COVID-19 share many characteristics, but there are some key differences between the two, see the chart to the right. 

 

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For more information, check out the CDC's webpage on the flu and COVID-19.

Prevent the Spread of Germs: Cover Coughs and Sneezes

  • Cough and sneeze into your sleeve. This prevents germs from getting on your hands, which then leave germs on the things you touch (door knobs, hand rails, light switches, etc). Flu can survive on these surfaces for several hours!

  • If you use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

Stay Home When You are Sick

  • If you or your child has a fever, stay home! You or your child should be fever-free for at least 24 hours before returning to work or school. A fever should be gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine (like Tylenol)

  • If you are sick, do not visit loved ones in the hospital, nursing home, or any facility housing the elderly and/or anyone in frail health. People with certain health conditions are more likely to have complications that result in hospitalization or even death. Limiting contact with others as much as possible while you are sick keeps you from infecting them.

Wash Your Hands

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water

  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

Stay informed