Epidemiology Expert Shares Tips to Survive Peak Flu Season Cedars-Sinai Skip to content Close Select your preferred language English عربى 简体中文 繁體中文 فارسي עִברִית 日本語 한국어 Русский Español Tagalog Menu Close Call 1-800-CEDARS-1 toggle search form Close Share Email Print CS-Blog Cedars-Sinai Blog Tips to Survive Peak Flu Season from a Cedars-Sinai Expert Jan 07, 2018 Cedars-Sinai Staff Share Tweet Post This year's flu season has been intense, with 46 states—including California—reporting widespread flu activity as of the January 8, 2018 version of the CDC's weekly flu report. "Influenza is a serious illness that sometimes can result in death," says Dr. Jonathan Grein, Cedars-Sinai's director of hospital epidemiology. "It's not too late to get a flu shot. Everyone can play a part in keeping the community safe and healthy." Dr. Grein says it's important to comply with public health recommendations specific to the 2017-18 flu season. Read: Is It a Cold or the Flu? Annual flu recommendations Everyone 6 months of age and older should get vaccinated, especially those at high risk of serious flu complications. This includes young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions and those over 65. Some young children might need two doses of the vaccine. Check with your physician. Nasal spray currently is not recommended—only injections—because it was found to be less effective than expected in past seasons. What You Need to Know About Cold and Flu Season If you get the flu If you do come down with the flu, Dr. Grein suggests: Avoid spreading germs by covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, clean your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub, and avoid touching your face as much as possible. If you get sick, do your co-workers a favor and stay home from work until your symptoms start to fade—usually about 24 hours after your fever breaks. You can spread the flu even before your symptoms begin—another reason it's important to get vaccinated and wash your hands frequently. If you haven't been vaccinated yet, get it done as soon as you can. It takes about 2 weeks for the vaccination to build immunity. If you think you're coming down with the flu, make an appointment with your primary care physician or visit an urgent care near you. Read: When Should I Take Antibiotics? Cedars-Sinai Urgent Care Locations Beverly Hills 8501 Wilshire Blvd. Beverly Hills, CA 90211 310-248-7000 Culver City 10100 Culver Blvd. Culver City, CA 90232 310-423-3333 Playa Vista 12746 W. Jefferson Blvd. Playa Vista, CA 90094 424-315-2220 Tags Prevention Expert Advice Cold and Flu Share Tweet Post Popular Categories Health + Wellness Science + Innovation Community Blog & Magazines catalyst Blog & Magazines Home CS-Blog Blog CS Magazine Cedars-Sinai Magazine discoveries magazine Discoveries Magazine Embracing our Community Embracing Our Community Blog & Magazines catalyst Blog & Magazines Home CS-Blog Blog Embracing our Community Embracing Our Community CS Magazine Cedars-Sinai Magazine discoveries magazine Discoveries Magazine Popular Topics Cancer Women's Health Heart Expert Advice Patient Stories Brain Make an Appointment Find a Doctor Schedule a Callback Call us 24 hours a day 1-800-CEDARS-1 Support Cedars-Sinai Make a Gift Volunteer Share Email Print Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility