Tips to Beat the Flu This Season
At Sharp Health Plan, we are focused on helping our members and their families stay healthy. Here is some important information — and tips to beat the flu this season.
Seasonal flu vaccination
More than 36,000 people in the U.S. die each year from flu and its complications. That’s why health experts recommend a yearly flu vaccine for everyone over the age of 6 months. While everyone is recommended to get a flu vaccine, people at high risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart and lung disease, and people 65 and older.
The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine each season. The seasonal flu vaccine protects against the three influenza viruses that research suggests will be most common. The 2010-2011 flu vaccine will protect against H1N1 and two other influenza viruses.
Flu vaccines are covered by Sharp Health Plan when given by a provider approved by your Plan Medical Group. There is no copayment for flu vaccine administration only. If you get a flu vaccine as part of an office visit, the regular office visit copayment will apply. Contact your primary care physician for more information, including locations where the vaccine is available.
For more information about seasonal flu, visit www.cdc.gov/flu.
Tips for staying healthy
Take common sense steps to limit the spread of germs. Make good hygiene a habit.
| • | Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way. |
| • | Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or sneeze into the crook of your arm. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. |
| • | Keep frequently touched surfaces clean. Consider using a disinfectant, or avoid the sharing of space and equipment at work. |
| • | Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Attention to rest, diet, exercise and relaxation helps maintain physical and emotional health. |
| • | Try to avoid close contact with sick people. |
| • | Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. |
