In this article:
- This year's dominant flu variant is expected to come with particularly severe symptoms.
- A flu shot is the most effective way to protect yourself. And if you do get sick, your flu vaccine will shorten the duration and severity of your illness.
- It's estimated that last year's flu vaccine helped prevent some 118,000 hospitalizations and 8,000 deaths.
- Watch the video for flu prevention tips from a Providence Swedish primary care expert.
The flu is a contagious respiratiory infection spread by the influenza virus. Though infections can be mild, the flu is not just a cold. In fact, the flu can be a severe illness even for healthy people and is especially high risk for people over 65, those with preexisting conditions, pregnant people and children under 5 years old.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, estimates that since Oct. 1, 2025, there have been between 1.9 and 3.3 million cases of flu illness and as many as 38,000 hospitalizations and 3,700 deaths associated with the illness.
With flu season comes with a surge in other respiratory infections, including respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, a respiratory virus that is particularly dangerous for infants and older adults. Vaccines are available to help prevent the flu, COVID-19 and RSV. This year and every year, the first and most important step in protecting yourself and your loved ones during cold and flu season is getting a flu vaccine.
In the short video below, Peter Olson, M.D., regional director for primary care at Providence Swedish, explains how the flu spreads and why getting a flu shot is essential for protecting yourself and your family.
Learn more and find a physician or advanced practice clinician (APC)
Whether you require an in-person visit or want to consult a doctor virtually, you have options. Contact Swedish Primary Care to schedule an appointment with a primary care practitioner. You can also connect virtually with your doctor to review your symptoms, provide instruction and follow up as needed. And with Swedish ExpressCare Virtual you can receive treatment in minutes for common conditions such as colds, flu, urinary tract infections, and more. You can also use our provider directory to find a specialist or primary care physician near you.
Information for patients and visitors
Related resources
Whooping cough cases are on the rise in areas across the country. Here’s what to know.
Struggling to make sense of recent childhood vaccination news? A Swedish doc can help.
The best time to find a primary care practitioner is when you don’t need one
Make sure your first-aid kit is more than just bandages and bacitracin
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional’s instructions.
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