Protect Yourself From the Flu

Flu is a contagious respiratory illness that can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year. Because COVID-19 and the flu virus will likely both be spreading during fall and winter months, this year we are offering patients the option to receive their flu shot along with a COVID vaccine or booster, as needed. The vaccines may prevent illness. If vaccinated people become ill, they have more mild illness.

We are providing flu shots to established Henry Ford patients by appointment only at all Henry Ford primary care and specialty locations. We will not offer the high-dose flu vaccine during the 2022-2023 flu season.

The CDC now says it’s safe for people with a history of egg allergies to receive any licensed flu vaccine. Read more here.

Get the flu shot wherever it's convenient

To assure social distancing at all our facilities, we are NOT offering walk-in flu shots at our medical centers this year. Here are ways for you to get your flu shot now:
  • Schedule a flu shot through your MyChart account. If you don’t have MyChart, sign up today.
  • Ask for a flu shot during an appointment with your primary care or specialty doctor
  • Retail pharmacies such as CVS, Walgreens, Kroger, RiteAid, Costco, Walmart, Sam’s Club and Meijer offer flu shots

COVID-19 complicates flu season

We strongly urge that all persons over the age of 6 months get a flu shot to help protect from getting sick with the flu, especially since the COVID-19 virus is still circulating. Some people, such as the elderly, young children, and people with chronic health conditions like lung or heart disease, or diabetes are at high risk of serious flu complications. It takes about two weeks for protection to develop after the flu shot.

If you think you have the flu

Most people with the flu do not need medical care, and should stay home to prevent spreading the virus to others. If you get sick with flu symptoms you should:

  • Stay home and rest
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
  • Avoid close contact with people in your home
  • Drink plenty of water and other liquids to prevent dehydration
  • Call your primary care doctor if you are very sick
  • If you are not sure if your symptoms are flu or COVID-19 call your primary care doctor or complete our assessment tool for next steps

The flu is a virus, so antibiotics will not effectively treat flu symptoms. The best way to prevent spreading the flu is to stay home if you are sick.

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