We’re in the height of flu season; Get your flu shot today

Photo Caption: Flu season is still here and expected to last into the spring. It’s not too late to get a flu shot and protect yourself and your family. Photo courtesy of UnitedHealthcare

Flu season is still here and it’s not too late to protect yourself and your family from getting the flu. According to Dr. Mayrene Hernandez, medical director for United Healthcare South Florida, flu season will likely run through March or even later, and if you or your family members have not had a flu shot yet, it’s recommended you get one as soon as possible.

Flu, or influenza, is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalizations, severe health complications and even death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu-related deaths during a given season can number as high as 49,000. Also, flu has a significant impact on the economy. A new study from Health Affairs reports that flu costs in the United States last year for adults reached $5.8 billion in medical visits, medication and lost productivity.

So what can you do? Make your and your family’s health a priority and get a flu shot.

According to the CDC, everyone who is at least 6 months old should get a flu vaccine. Getting vaccinated is especially important for people who have certain medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes or chronic lung disease; and for pregnant women, young children and people 65 and older.

Influenza does not discriminate against age or health habits. Just because you’re young or don’t typically get sick doesn’t mean you can’t catch the flu. Since a person can be contagious before symptoms develop, you can catch the flu from someone who has yet to show any signs of being sick.

Symptoms of the Flu

The flu usually comes on suddenly. Common symptoms include constant cough, sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches and fatigue.

Flu Prevention Tips

To help protect yourself and others from the flu, Dr. Hernandez recommends has the following tips:

• Get a flu shot (most important)
• Wash your hands to reduce the spread of germs
• Stay away from people who are sick
• If you’re sick, stay home to prevent spreading flu to others
• Cover coughs and sneezes

The flu shot is not expensive. In most cases, the cost of a flu shot is covered by your health plan, whether you buy health insurance on your own or are covered through your employer, Medicare or Medicaid.

Know Where to Get a Flu Shot

Visit your primary care doctor or nearby wellness clinic, convenience clinic, most retail pharmacies or contracted flu shot providers. Please do not go to an emergency room for a flu shot. Emergency rooms should be used for medical emergencies – receiving a flu shot in the ER will come with longer wait times and higher out-of-pocket costs.

To find a list of flu shot providers near you, visit the CDC website (www.cdc.gov/flu) and enter your zip code. People enrolled in UnitedHealthcare plans can check with their health care provider or visit myuhc.com to search for a network pharmacy or convenience care clinic – most don't require appointments for flu shots. Be sure you show your health plan ID card before getting your flu shot. Most UnitedHealthcare plans cover annual flu shots at 100 percent when you use a care provider within the plan’s network.