Issued on January 9, 2026
- LA County Respiratory Watch
- CA Influenza Update
- About Flu Illness
- MySHR or call 213-740-9355 (WELL)
Seasonal influenza activity is increasing in all areas of California, including in Los Angeles County. The Los Angeles County Dept. of Public Health has reported an increase in the percent positivity from 3.2% on 12/5/25 to 9.9% on 12/27/25 in Los Angeles. It is recommended that you:
- Practice good respiratory hygiene—clean hands frequently and cover your cough.
- Get your annual influenza vaccine if you have not yet received one this year.
- If you have symptoms of the flu (fever/chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose or stuffy nose, difficulty breathing, body aches), use a home testing kit. At-home kits for detecting Flu A & B and COVID-19 are available at retail pharmacies and through online delivery services.
FOR STUDENTS:
- Testing kits may be picked up at the Student Health Center front desk if you are symptomatic.
- Seek medical care if you are immunocompromised or have a medical condition that puts you at risk of severe illness or complications. Antiviral medications may be recommended. Seek medical attention if you begin to experience worsening symptoms or difficulty breathing.
- Contact USC Student Health to make a respiratory illness telemedicine appointment or to speak with a nurse. You can use the MySHRportal (https://usc.edu/myshr) or call our 24/7 phone line, 213-740-9355 for questions or appointments.
- If you are ill, contact your professors and let them know you will be absent from class so that alternate instructional materials can be provided. Medical absence notes (“sick notes”) should not be required, per Student Health policies.
- Do not go to class or other activities until you have been fever-free for 24-hours and are feeling better.
Questions? Contact studenthealth@usc.edu.
