As of Thursday September 17, 2020, 09:00 AM
Health ResourcesFlu season is here
The flu can have a serious impact on the health of our communities, and this year with COVID-19, it’s more important than ever for everyone to get the flu vaccine this fall to protect you and your loved ones.
If you or a family member has flu symptoms, please visit an Urgent Care location or see a doctor online 24/7 with an Anywhere Care Virtual Visit.
How to identify flu symptoms and what to do if you think you need to seek care: Click Here
We also offer a 24/7 Ochsner On Call nurse care line, at 1-800-231-5257.
3 Ways to Get a Flu Shot at Ochsner Health
1. Visit an Urgent Care Location
Find an Urgent Care location near you.
Ochsner's urgent care locations can administer flu shots to adults and children 6 months and older.
2. Primary Care and Pediatric Physicians
Ochsner primary care and pediatric physicians offer flu shots by appointment.
To schedule an appointment:
- Schedule online through our secure patient portal, MyOchsner
- Call your doctor
- Call 1-866-OCHSNER
3. Visit an Ochsner Pharmacy & Wellness Location
Find a Pharmacy & Wellness location near you.
Ochsner Pharmacy & Wellness accepts most insurances, and walk-ins are welcome. They can administer flu shots to adults and children ages 7 and up.
The Flu and COVID-19
Influenza (Flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by infection with a new coronavirus (called SARS-CoV-2) and flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses. Because some of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, it may be hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone, and 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.
While it’s not possible to say with certainty what will happen in the fall and winter, CDC believes it’s likely that flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 will both be spreading this fall and winter. In this context, getting a flu vaccine will be more important than ever. CDC recommends that all people 6 months and older get a yearly flu vaccine.
Protect Your Loved Ones by:
- Encouraging them to visit an Ochsner physician through primary care or urgent care to receive a flu shot.
- Tell them where they can get a free flu shot provided by Louisiana’s Department of Health – Click here to see a list of locations.
Flu Season is Here
Are you waiting until the last minute? Don’t. Flu shots take about two weeks to provide protection. Get vaccinated before peak flu season hits by scheduling your appointment online today. Or discover four ways you can get your flu shot at Ochsner.
Who Should Get a Flu Shot?
Everyone Older Than 6 Months
Ochsner offers a variety of flu shot options, including preservative-free alternatives for pregnant women and people with allergies. Please note that due to a recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nasal spray vaccinations will not be available this year.
Who’s at Risk for Flu-Related Complications?
Pregnant Women
Children
Younger Than 5
Adults Older
Than 65
And Those With:
Asthma
Weakened
Immune Systems
Diabetes
Heart Disease
Flu Shots: Myths vs. Facts
If you are experiencing flu symptoms, see a doctor today.
Myth:
The flu vaccine gives you the flu.
Fact:
A flu shot does not cause the flu. Flu vaccines are made with “inactivated” viruses, so there is no live flu virus in the shot. However, common side effects include soreness, redness and swelling at the shot site.
Myth:
The flu vaccine isn’t effective.
Fact:
The vaccine’s effectiveness varies by season. However, recent studies show vaccination can reduce the risk of getting the flu by 50 to 60 percent in the general population, according to the CDC.
Myth:
I don’t need a flu vaccine every year.
Fact:
Over time, immune protection from the flu vaccine decreases, meaning yearly shots are the best way to protect yourself and your family.
Think You Have the Flu?
If flu symptoms arise, Ochsner patients can call Ochsner On Call (1-800-231-5257 or 504-842-3155), a free service with specially trained registered nurses available to discuss your health care concerns, to help you decide if your symptoms require going to the emergency room for assessment or a visit to a physician, and to recommend appropriate self-care techniques.
If you or a family member has flu symptoms, please visit an Urgent Care location or see a doctor online 24/7 with an Anywhere Care Virtual Visit.
Remember to wash your hands frequently and cover your mouth when sneezing and coughing to help limit spreading the virus to others.
