Tip Tuesday! Influenza “Flu” Vaccine

Did you know there is an estimated 25-50 million cases of the flu reported in the U.S. every year which leads to more than 200,000 hospitalizations and 39,000 – 40,000 deaths annually? Did you know that people with the flu can infect others before feeling symptoms? Did you know the flu can be passed to others up to seven days after symptoms start (children may be infected up to 10 days after)?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year. This year's seasonal flu vaccination protects against the H1N1 virus so a separate shot is not needed. Receiving vaccinations can prevent infections in about 70 – 90 percent of healthy persons younger than 65 years of age.

Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. You can also use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Stay home if you are sick until at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100°F or 37.8°C) or signs of a fever (without the use of a fever-reducing medicine, such as Tylenol).
• While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.

We encourage you to take an active role in your health care and to partner with your doctor. The best time to protect yourself is now, before the flu season begins. Under some health plans, the flu vaccine is considered preventive care, and might be provided at no cost to you. If you have questions about the benefits, please contact Customer Care at the number listed on the back of your health plan ID card, or visit your member Website.

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