A high fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, and fatigue. These are just a few of the symptoms that come with contracting the flu virus. These symptoms can drag on for days.
“There is a misery associated with the flu that you never want to experience again,” said Thomas J. Murphy, MD, a family medicine specialist with UT Physicians Family Practice – Bayshore.
Why the flu shot matters
The flu is a debilitating illness that carries a risk of developing serious complications. Fortunately, the flu vaccine is proven to protect against exposure and reduce symptoms.
“The flu vaccine prevents 50% to 60% of people from getting the flu and decreases the severity of the flu if you happen to get it,” explained Murphy, associate dean for community affairs and health policy at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston.
The flu shot is annual because the flu virus changes each year. There are two main types of flu: influenza A and influenza B.
“There are a variety of strains of flu A and flu B. Each summer, we look to the southern hemisphere to see which strains are spreading, and that guides the prediction for what we need to protect against in the northern hemisphere,” said Murphy, chief medical officer for UT Physicians community-based clinics.
For the 2025-26 flu season, the vaccine protects against three strains of the virus: two A strains and one B strain.
Flu impacts by the numbers
The flu is a significant disease burden in America, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimating an average of 40 million cases of flu each year.
Nearly half of those cases, about 18 to 20 million people, will require medical care with a primary care physician, urgent care, or an emergency room visit.
On average, about 400,000 people are hospitalized because of the flu each year.
The CDC estimates 28,000 people died from the flu in 2023-24.
“Death from an illness that is preventable is significant,” Murphy said.
Affordable flu shot
UT Physicians is proud to offer an affordable flu shot for $19 for patients who are uninsured or underinsured.
“This is an inexpensive way to stay out of the hospital,” Murphy said. “Just $19 could save your sick days.”
The $19 flu shot is available for anyone 6 months and older, including pregnant women. This will be for the Trivalent flu vaccine, and no insurance is required. Call 888-488-3627 to schedule an appointment for a low-cost flu vaccine at these UT Physicians locations:
UT Physicians Family Practice – Bayshore**
11452 Space Center Blvd.
Houston, TX 77059
UT Physicians Multispecialty – Bellaire Station**
6500 West Loop S., Ste. 200
Bellaire, TX 77401
UT Physicians Multispecialty – Cinco Ranch
23923 Cinco Ranch Blvd.
Katy, TX 77494
UT Physicians Multispecialty – Greens
550 Greens Pkwy., Ste. 150
Houston, TX 77067
UT Physicians Multispecialty – International District
10623 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. C280
Houston, TX 77072
UT Physicians Multispecialty – Jensen
2620 E. Crosstimbers St., Ste. 100
Houston, TX 77093
UT Physicians Multispecialty – Rosenberg
5115 Avenue H, Ste. 701
Rosenberg, TX 77471
UT Physicians Multispecialty – Sienna
8810 Highway 6, Ste. 100
Missouri City, TX 77459
UT Physicians Multispecialty – Victory
7364 Antoine Dr.
Houston, TX 77088
**Only adult doses are available at this location.
Tips for flu prevention
Protecting yourself from the flu begins with the flu vaccine. Flu season lasts from October to April. The UT Physicians affordable flu shot is available throughout the flu season.
Remember to wash your hands frequently to keep yourself protected and stay home if you become sick in order to protect others.
Trust in your provider
Still hesitant about getting a flu vaccine? Have a candid conversation with your doctor to ask questions and get the facts about flu symptoms, your risks, and how the flu shot provides protection.
