Seasonal Influenza (Flu)

On This Page

• Immunization (Vaccination) info
• Where to get your flu shot
• Flu facts video
• Beat the flu
• Resources
• Local stats from the 2023-2024 season

• The best reasons to get vaccinated: Influenza can make you, your children, and your parents really sick.

INFLUENZA, or the FLU, can cause mild to severe illness, with symptoms commonly including fever or feeling feverish or having chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue (tiredness), and vomiting and diarrhea. Flu viruses are highly contagious, spread from person to person mainly by tiny droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking.

Immunization and vaccination information.

Vaccination is the best protection against getting the flu — it protects not only you but also limits the spread of flu to your loved ones and others. The flu can make even healthy people very sick and cause serious complications in children younger than 5, pregnant women, people 65 years and older, and people with certain chronic health conditions.

Flu vaccines are now available at many locations throughout our community, including healthcare provider offices, pharmacies, and clinics.

 
Immunization clinics at TCWH

We serve community members with no insurance, or with Medicaid or a Medicaid managed care plan. TCWH also schedules mobile flu clinics and in-home visits for homebound residents. Visit our immunizations page for details.

Want to beat the flu? Here’s what you can do: 

 
GET IMMUNIZED!

Everyone over 6 months old should be immunized. Call your healthcare provider or go to your local pharmacy to schedule your flu shot.  When you get vaccinated, you not only reduce your risk of getting the flu, you reduce the risk to those around you. That's because even if you don't have symptoms or feel sick, you may still be carrying the virus that could infect others.

 
COVER YOUR SNEEZE!

Sneeze in your sleeve! Keep your hands clean by directing your cough or sneeze to your sleeve inside your elbow.

 
WASH YOUR HANDS!

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds (about the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice.) Teach your children to do this and set a good example by doing it yourself.

 
STAY HEALTHY!

Get plenty of rest, eat nutritious foods, stay physically active.

 
STAY HOME!

Flu easily spreads easily from person to person. If you’re sick, protect others by staying home and getting well. You’ll appreciate it when others do the same.

 
Learn about how the flu can hurt your family

Don’t take chances with your family’s health — make sure you all get vaccinated against influenza every year!
Learn about the flu, how it spreads, and complications that can arise if you get the flu.

Additional Seasonal Flu Resources

• Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses When You’re Sick (CDC website)
• People at Higher Risk of Flu Complications (CDC website).
• Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report (CDC website)
  » Interactive U.S. map showing weekly progression and state Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) activity level

 
2023-2024 Flu Season

NYS produces a weekly report during the influenza season (October through the following May). The update for the week ending May 18, 2024 was the final update provided by the NYS Department of Health for the 2023-2024 flu season. The NYS Influenza Surveillance Report for May 18 can be found here (PDF). Follow this link for the NYSDOH Influenza Activity, Surveillance and Reports web page.