About Influenza | Stony Brook Medicine

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever during flu season to protect yourself, your family and your community. While it’s not possible to say with certainty what will happen this fall and winter, the CDC believes it’s likely that flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 will both be spreading. And, it is possible to have flu, as well as other respiratory illnesses, and COVID-19 at the same time.

The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get a yearly flu vaccine. There are documented benefits from flu vaccination, including reductions in illnesses, related doctors’ visits and missed work or school. Even an imperfect flu vaccine-match, or circulating flu viruses, can contribute to fewer hospitalizations and deaths from influenza. Also, this flu season, protecting yourself by getting vaccinated can help to conserve medical resources needed for the care of people with COVID-19.

This website is designed to answer questions about Stony Brook Medicine’s proactive response to the influenza virus. Please use the links in the left menu to learn more about how to protect yourself and what to do if you believe you have the virus.

Vaccination is the best protection against the flu. Stony Brook Medicine’s HealthConnect^® can assist you if you wish to get vaccinated by referring you to a healthcare provider in your area. Call HealthConnect at (631) 444-4000 or visit your physician or local pharmacy.

In addition to the flu vaccine, the everyday preventive actions that we are currently taking to protect ourselves from COVID-19 are also effective for reducing the spread of flu:

Wear your mask.
Practice social distancing.
Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

*Source: cdc.gov/flu