Protection from the flu

Don’t let the flu affect you this season. Aetna Better Health^® covers flu shots for all our members. The flu virus is always changing, so the flu shot you got last year won’t protect you this year. There are different vaccines for different ages. Your doctor will tell you what’s right for you or your child. Some people have a higher risk of getting the flu than others. It’s important that you speak with your doctor about getting your flu shot if you:

• Have a chronic condition like asthma, diabetes or lung disease
• Are pregnant
• Are age 65 or older
• Live in a nursing home
• Are a caregiver or are in close contact with people who have chronic conditions

If you’re 65 or older, smoke or have a chronic health condition, ask your doctor if you should receive the pneumonia vaccine.

Do you have the flu?

Flu symptoms come quickly. They can last a few days or a few weeks. You should get treatment if you notice any of these symptoms:

• Fever — usually higher than 101 F (38.3 C) — and chills
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Dry cough
• Runny nose
• Tiredness and weakness
• Muscle aches

How to take care of yourself if you have the flu

Go to your doctor in the first 72 hours of flu symptoms. The flu usually improves on its own. Your doctor will prescribe you an antiviral medication if you need it. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest.

The flu spreads through the air when someone who has the flu coughs, sneezes or talks. You can also get infected if you touch the same thing that someone with the flu touched.

How can the flu be prevented?

One of the best ways to prevent the flu is to get your flu shot every year. Adults can get a flu shot at most retail pharmacies in our network. Doctors recommend getting a flu shot each fall or winter.

You should also:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Clean phones, computer keyboards and anything else that you touch frequently at work and at home
• Carry an alcohol-based gel with you and use it when you don’t have access to soap and water
• Avoid sharing food and drinks with others

What to do if your child has the flu

Go to your child’s primary care physician or to urgent care for:

• A fever in an infant under 3 months old
• A fever of 102 F at any age
• Breathing problems
• No desire to eat or drink
• Ear pain
• Extra crankiness or sleepiness
• A cough that lasts longer than two weeks
• Flu symptoms that are getting worse

About the author

AJ Murphy is an evocative young writer who grew up in Boston's Charlestown neighborhood. AJ began his writing career at Alaska Ice Rinks Inc. in Anchorage, AK, where he also drove a Zamboni and took care of outdoor hockey rinks.

If you’ve ever had the flu, you know how bad it can be. Getting the flu shot is one way to help prevent against the flu, and it's covered by your health plan. The other way is to understand flu myths and facts, so you can stay healthy.

Be prepared for flu season

A flu vaccine (shot) is your best chance to avoid the flu. It’s best to get a shot each year, as soon the flu shot is available in your area. This can be done at your doctor’s office or a health clinic.

The flu vaccine is available in several forms. Most are given in an arm muscle with a needle. Talk with your doctor about which form is best for you.

Myth vs. Fact

M: You can catch the flu from the flu shot

F: A flu shot cannot cause the flu virus.1 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine for just about everyone ages 6 months and older. If you're not sure if you should get the flu shot, check with your doctor first.

M: The flu shot is expensive.

F: The flu shot is covered by your health plan. If you're enrolled, make sure you get your flu shot at no extra cost.

M: The flu shot shouldn't be given at the same time as other vaccines.

F: The flu shot can be given at the same time as other vaccines,2 including the pneumococcal vaccine.

M: Getting the flu shot is all you need to do to protect yourself from the flu.

F: Getting the flu shot is one way to protect yourself. Make sure you also avoid contact with people who have the flu. And remember to wash your hands often.

M: Antibiotics help with the flu.

F: Antibiotics don't necessarily treat the flu. They only help with infections caused by bacteria. Antiviral drugs like TAMIFLU^® can fight the flu virus, so you can feel better faster.

¹Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD). Misconceptions about seasonal flu and flu vaccines. September 25, 2018. Available at: cdc.gov/flu/prevent/misconceptions.htm?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fflu%2Fabout%2Fqa%2Fmisconceptions.htm. Accessed May 20, 2019.

²Georgia Department of Public Health. Adult influenza and pneumococcal vaccines FAQ.

Available at: dph.georgia.gov/sites/dph.georgia.gov/files/Immunizations/Flu-Season-Flu-Pneu-FAQs.pdf. Accessed May 20, 2019.