NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) issued the reminder to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
The health board has asked the public not to attend A&E with mild to moderate flu-like symptoms and to avoid visiting friends or relatives in hospital if unwell.
Dr Iain Kennedy, consultant in public health medicine at NHSGGC, said: “Flu season is here, and we want to ensure that you, your loved ones, and those who are the most vulnerable stay protected.
“The A&E waiting room isn’t the place to be with mild flu symptoms.
“Not only do you risk spreading the virus to others, you’ll also have a wait that you could avoid if you were to call 111.
“They will signpost you to the best place for you while you stay in the comfort of your home, including helping those with more severe symptoms or higher risk of complications to access appropriate care.
“If you have a loved one in hospital and you are experiencing flu symptoms, it is better to miss a visit, than to take the risk of passing it on to them or others around them.
“Overall, the best thing to do to maximise protection from the flu is to get the vaccine if you’re eligible.”
The health board has also recommended that people use its online self-help guides, seek advice from community pharmacists, or call NHS 24 on 111 for further guidance.
Flu season is underway, and hospitals across Greater Glasgow and Clyde are already seeing an increase in cases.
Dr Kennedy said vaccination remains the best defence against the virus and can reduce the risk of severe illness, especially in those with underlying health conditions.
Eligible individuals will receive a letter inviting them to one of the board’s 21 community clinics.
A full list of clinics is available on the NHSGGC website under the Winter Vaccination Programme 2025/26.
Community pharmacies across the region are also offering flu vaccines, but the health board advises calling ahead to check availability.
The service is available in Glasgow South, Glasgow North East, Glasgow North West, Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire, West Dunbartonshire, East Dunbartonshire, and Inverclyde.
For those unable to attend a clinic or pharmacy, NHSGGC’s Mobile Vaccination Unit (MVU) is operating at various locations, including:
Erskine Sports Centre, Kilpatrick Drive, Erskine, PA8 7AF
The Foundry, 101 Main Street, Barrhead, G78 1SW
Chapel Street Car Park, Lennoxtown, G66 7DE
Gourock Swimming Pool Car Park, Albert Road, PA19 1NQ
Knightswood Community Centre, 201 Alderman Road, Glasgow, G13 3DD
Ferguslie Sport Centre, 100 Blackstoun Road, Howwood, PA3 1EX
Ladyton Shops, Bonhill, G83 9DZ
The mobile unit operates from 10am to 4pm and no appointment is necessary.
More information about the winter vaccination programme and self-care advice is available on the NHSGGC website.