Think flu season ends after the holidays? Not in California. Flu activity often peaks later and can linger through spring. Staying protected and knowing when to seek care matters well into the new year.
"We're actually seeing flu activity show up a little later than we expected this year," says Joshua Higgins, a physician assistant with Express Care at UC San Diego Health. "Patients have been coming in with upper respiratory symptoms, often lasting days or weeks."
When Is Flu Season and How Long Does It Last?
In the United States, flu season typically runs from October to May, with activity usually peaking between December and February. In California, our flu season follows a similar pattern, beginning in the fall and continuing through late spring.
This means that even though there's no exact end date or month, most flu seasons wind down between late March and May. Since the flu can be going around in May, it still warrants testing for flu if you have respiratory symptoms in the late spring months.
Flu Symptoms vs. Cold and COVID
Early on, respiratory illnesses such as the flu, COVID-19, RSV and even the common cold can look very similar. This can make it hard to know what you're dealing with. Many people search online for "flu vs. COVID symptoms" or "cold vs. flu symptoms" and with good reason.
Flu symptoms tend to hit hard and fast, often appearing suddenly and feeling intense. Flu symptoms include:
- Fever
- Body aches
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Cough
Colds, on the other hand, usually start more gradually and are milder overall. COVID-19 variants often present with congestion, lingering fatigue and sore throat, but without the sudden high fever that typically signals flu. If you're not sure whether you have the flu or COVID-19, testing can quickly clarify next steps.
Because these illnesses overlap, Higgins emphasizes getting checked early. "Testing can be really important, especially for people who are immunocompromised or higher risk, where early treatment can be vital."
At UC San Diego Health, most patients can receive rapid tests for flu and COVID. This means you can get the results before you leave the Express Care clinic.
"Getting evaluated early can help you feel better sooner by starting treatment if needed and lowering the chance of passing it on to others," says Higgins.
When to See a Doctor for Flu Symptoms
You may be wondering, when should I see a doctor for flu symptoms? The good news is that many mild respiratory symptoms can be managed safely at home."
You can usually rest and recover at home if you have typical cold symptoms that improve gradually, such as:
- Runny nose
- Mild sore throat
- Low-grade fatigue
However, schedule a video visit or visit Express Care at UC San Diego Health if you are experiencing any of these symptoms:
- Fever lasting more than a couple of days
- Worsening or persistent cough
- Shortness of breath
- Symptoms that come on suddenly and feel "more intense" than a usual cold
"A video visit can be a great option for milder symptoms or early questions. And in many cases, we can even order testing, like flu swabs or chest X-rays, during your video visit," Higgins says. "If symptoms are more severe, an in-person Express Care visit is usually better, so evaluation, testing and treatment can all happen in one visit."
Higgins adds that anyone in a group that's at higher risk for flu may need to be seen earlier. This includes older adults, pregnant individuals, immunocompromised patients or those with chronic conditions.
Get Flu Testing and Treatment at Express Care
Find same-day or next-day flu evaluation, rapid testing and treatment at Express Care at UC San Diego Health. This can include antiviral medication when appropriate. Choose a video visit or get in-person care at convenient locations across San Diego.
Is It Too Late to Get a Flu Shot?
If you're asking if it's too late to get a flu shot in January or February, the answer is: definitely not! California health officials and UC San Diego Health experts continue to recommend flu vaccination for anyone who hasn't received it yet this season.
"One of the biggest misconceptions is that it's too late to get a flu shot," Higgins says. "There's still benefit — and it can make symptoms less severe if you do get sick."
What if you also need a COVID vaccine?
"It's completely safe to get both the COVID and flu vaccine at the same time," says Shauna Conry, MD, a UC San Diego Health emergency medicine physician who also sees patients at Express Care.
How to Get Fast Flu Care Near You
Express Care offers convenient, same-day or next-day evaluation for flu-like symptoms without the longer waits and potentially higher costs of urgent care. It's also a fast, convenient alternative to going to the ER if your respiratory concerns aren't an emergency.
Express Care clinics are located throughout San Diego County, from Vista to Chula Vista, including Encinitas and downtown San Diego.
You can:
- Save your spot online at health.ucsd.edu/savemyspot
- Choose a video visit for convenience from home
- Access same-day testing and treatment options
Your Best Chance to Prevent the Flu
Flu season is far from over in San Diego, and cases can continue into spring. Getting vaccinated, practicing good hygiene, and staying home when sick are the most effective ways to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses.
And when you need quick testing, a video visit or an in-person evaluation, Express Care is here to help seven days a week.
