The Flu: How to Protect Yourself

Why get the flu shot?
Keep yourself from getting the flu by taking one simple step and getting a flu shot; that way you can lower your chances of getting sick.
Influenza (also called the flu) is a serious illness and it can affect people differently. Some people with the flu become much sicker than others. A yearly seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to lower your chances of catching the seasonal flu and spreading it to others.

Who should get vaccinated?
Everyone six months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every season. It’s especially important for children under 18 months of age, adults over age 65 and others with low immune systems, since these people are at higher risk for developing serious problems caused by the flu.

Where can I get a flu shot?
The flu shot is covered under your preventive care benefits at 100% when you go to a health professional in your plan. Contact your primary care doctor to get your flu shot. You can also get it at urgent care facilities, retail health clinics, many pharmacies or walk-in doctors’ offices in your plan.

Think you might have the flu?
Flu symptoms: Flu and cold symptoms are similar, but the flu often comes suddenly. Flu symptoms can include some or all of these: fever or feeling chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, feeling tired and worn out, vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults).

If you have flu-like symptoms, call your doctor right away.

Treatment: Usually doctors use antiviral drugs to treat the flu. Antibiotics don’t work because the flu is a viral infection. You need a prescription from your doctor for antiviral drugs, so see your doctor as soon as you can. It’s best to go to your doctor within 48 hours after the start of flu-like symptoms. Not everyone with the flu needs treatment. Most people get better after a few days, but others at high risk for complications should get care right away. Your doctor can tell you what’s best for you.