Protect Yourself From the Flu

Flu is a contagious respiratory illness that can cause mild to severe illness. Sometimes it can cause death. The best way to prevent flu is by getting a flu shot each year. If you are vaccinated and catch the flu, your symptoms should be mild.

We provide flu shots to established Henry Ford patients by appointment only at all Henry Ford primary care and specialty locations beginning in September.

What if I have an egg allergy?

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

COVID-19 Vaccine

The 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine is also available at Henry Ford Health primary care sites. You can make an appointment through MyChart. If you already have an appointment scheduled with your doctor, you can ask for the COVID-19 vaccine then.

If you think you have the flu

Most people with the flu do not need medical care and should stay home so they don’t spread it 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 so you don’t get dehydrated.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.
• Clean and disinfect touched surfaces at home, work or school.
• There are prescription medicines called “antiviral drugs” that can be used to treat flu illness. These medicines are prescribed by a doctor and are not sold over the counter. Antiviral medicines can lessen symptoms and shorten the time you are sick by one or two days. They also can prevent serious complications like pneumonia.

The flu is a virus, so antibiotics will not effectively treat flu symptoms.