With the return of students to classrooms and flu season on the horizon, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center experts are urging the public to prepare for influenza by getting vaccinated. They recommend receiving a flu shot starting in September, ahead of the season’s typical onset in November. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that as many as 130,000 people in the U.S. died from the flu last year.
“By getting the flu shot, you’re not only protecting yourself, you’re protecting your family and vulnerable members of the community who would suffer a more serious illness,” said Jonathan Grein, MD, director of Hospital Epidemiology at Cedars-Sinai and associate professor in the Department of Medicine.
Grein also advised practicing good hygiene by washing hands frequently, avoiding contact with sick individuals, and wearing a mask when feeling unwell to prevent spreading illness.
There are no major changes to this year’s flu shot recommendations. The vaccine is still recommended for eligible adults, teens, and children over six months old. Those aged 65 or older are encouraged to get a high-dose vaccine if available due to their weaker immune systems.
“If a high-dose flu shot is not available, older individuals should receive a standard dose, rather than skipping the shot,” Grein said. “It’s critical for older adults to protect themselves.”
Priya Soni, MD, pediatric infectious disease specialist at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s, explained that children between six months and eight years old who have never received a flu vaccine should get two doses four weeks apart. “Ideally, parents should vaccinate their children before the end of October to ensure protection before peak flu season,” Soni said.
Cedars-Sinai primary care physicians and pediatricians are currently offering flu shots during scheduled visits. Patients seen by Cedars-Sinai providers within the past 16 months can schedule vaccination appointments through My CS-Link at several locations across Los Angeles County.
For treating mild symptoms such as nasal congestion or fever at home, Grein recommends fluids, rest, and pain relievers like Tylenol. He advises those at higher risk—older adults or people with chronic health conditions—to consult their physician about antiviral medications soon after symptoms appear.
Jonathan Weiner, MD, chair of Cedars-Sinai Medical Group’s Department of Primary Care and Acute Care Medicine, stated that patients experiencing severe symptoms such as very high fever or difficulty keeping fluids down should see their doctor or visit urgent care facilities. Life-threatening symptoms like trouble breathing require immediate emergency attention.
Soni noted that mild symptoms in children can be managed similarly but warned against giving aspirin due to Reye’s syndrome risk. She highlighted dehydration risks for children under two years old and urged parents to monitor for escalating symptoms: “If a child is struggling to breathe, or showing signs of severe fatigue, vomiting or dehydration, they should be seen promptly by their physician or in the emergency department,” Soni said.
Weiner pointed out that virtual visits via mobile apps like Cedars-Sinai Connect offer initial guidance for both adults and children with milder symptoms: “A physician or other provider can see you, assess how sick you appear and determine if you need to be seen in person or if you can manage your illness at home,” he said.
If further testing is needed—including prescriptions for antivirals—Cedars-Sinai Connect providers can arrange streamlined visits at urgent care locations. Over-the-counter tests are also available at pharmacies. Knowing one’s status helps reduce transmission since people may be contagious even before showing symptoms until several days after recovery.
Persistent symptoms may require ruling out other respiratory infections through an in-person appointment—especially important for those with underlying conditions or ongoing severe symptoms.
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is located in Los Angeles and was founded in 1902. Its current president is Thomas M. Priselac. The hospital includes a pediatric ward and serves as a training facility; according to its 2022 annual report https://www.cedars-sinai.org/about/annual-report.html, it admitted over 50,000 patients during that year.
