Take Preventive Measures this Flu Season

Flu season is right around the corner. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1 out of 10 people will get the flu this year. The CDC recommends a yearly vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older as the first and most important step in protecting against the flu. Getting the flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available each year is the best course of action, and it can help protect you throughout the entire flu season.

Health Advocate provides information on ways you can reduce your risk of catching the flu.

Get a flu vaccination. Typically, health experts recommend that people get their flu shot in early fall. Early immunization is the most effective, but it is not too late to get the vaccine in December, January or beyond.  Many employers offer free flu vaccinations onsite. If your employer doesn’t offer them, you can get a low-cost flu vaccination at retail pharmacy chains. You can also schedule an appointment to get a flu shot from your primary doctor.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick. And if you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.

Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs, and then touches their eyes, nose or mouth.

Practice other good health habits. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

Someone close to you might be suffering from the flu – your coworker, your spouse, or the man sitting next to you on the train during your daily commute. While you can’t control what happens to others around you, you can take preventative measures to stay well. If you are a Health Advocate member, call your Personal Health Advocate for more information about flu vaccinations and staying healthy through cold and flu season.

Fight the flu—start now!

Every fall and winter, 5 to 20 percent of people in the U.S. are infected by seasonal influenza (flu), a virus that attacks the respiratory tract. Experts are saying that this flu season is particularly bad—the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that 43 states are already reporting widespread flu outbreaks.  And some cities—such as Boston— are already declaring health emergencies due to a particularly high volume of flu cases reported. 

For some people, contracting the virus can be life-threatening. Therefore, the first line of defense is to get a seasonal flu vaccine. Here’s how you can protect yourself and your loved ones, and how you can turn to Health Advocate for help.

Protect Yourself and Others

• It isn’t too late to get the flu shot! Get your whole family vaccinated. Everyone age 6 months or older should have an annual flu shot. It’s especially important for people at higher risk including young children, pregnant women, people age 65 and older, those with weakened immune systems or chronic illnesses such as asthma, and those who care for others who are at high risk.

• Wash your hands often. Or, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Click here to view best practices for handwashing.

• Cover your mouth. Sneeze and cough into a tissue or into your elbow (if a tissue isn’t handy). This is the best way to prevent virus droplets from becoming airborne.

• Don’t touch your nose and eyes. The virus gains entry into the body through the nose, eyes and mouth. (Don’t nibble on your nails, either.)

Think you have the flu?

• Know the symptoms. A fever over 100 degrees, achy muscles, chills and sweats, dry cough, fatigue, weakness and congestion could mean you have the flu.

• Call your doctor. Your doctor may provide a diagnosis and treatment plan.

• Stay home. Going to work or being out and about while sick will only spread the disease.

• Load up on liquids and get plenty of rest. This can help you prevent dehydration and allow your immune system to mount a good defense.

How Health Advocate can help

If you’re a Health Advocate member, turn to us for help with:

• Researching places to get vaccinated and arranging for a flu shot

• Answering questions about the flu and the vaccination

• Finding you a doctor if you think you have the flu, and help making the appointment

• Resolving any claim or insurance issues

Health Advocate members can call us for help at 866.695.8622 or visit us online at HealthAdvocate.com/members.