- “I never had a flu shot, and I never got the flu.”
- “I know someone who swears he got the flu from the shot.”
- “I don’t like needles. I’ll take my chances.”
Have you heard any of these reasons for not getting an annual flu shot? Have you ever said them yourself? (FYI – the flu shot does not give you the flu.)
The flu shot is a simple way to help protect yourself and the health of others.
Some Flu Facts
- Millions of people, on average, are sickenedget sick, hundreds of thousands are hospitalized, and thousands of people die from flu each year.
- The flu can last between one and two weeks. Even after symptoms like fever, chills, and cough subside, you can feel weak and tired for days.
- Some symptoms for the flu and COVID-19 are similar. If you feel ill, talk to your primary care provider (PCP). He or she can decide if you should be tested for either illness or for both.
- A bad flu season can overwhelm the capacity of doctors’ offices and hospitals. That’s something we especially want to avoid while we are battling COVID-19.
- Healthy people who get the flu can expose people who are especially vulnerable and could get very sick. Those include children, the elderly, and anyone with a chronic condition, such as asthma, heart disease, or cancer.
Advice for Avoiding the Flu
Get the vaccine. It’s the best way to help prevent the flu and potentially serious complications. Talk to your doctor about the pneumonia vaccine, too. It’s recommended for everyone 65 years and older, and for adults with certain health conditions.
Keep up the habits that we know can help you avoid catching or spreading viruses like the flu and COVID-19: Wash your hands often, disinfect surfaces frequently, stay six feet or more away from others, wear a mask in public, avoid people who are sick, and stay home if you’re sick.
Three Things To Know About the Flu Vaccine
- Who should get a flu vaccine: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that almost everyone 6 months of age and older get a flu vaccine.
- When to get a flu vaccine: Soon after the vaccine becomes available, ideally by the end of October, before the flu becomes widespread.
- The flu vaccine is no cost with your plan.* ConnectiCare covers the cost when you get your vaccination from an in-network doctor, community flu clinic, or retail pharmacy.*
*If you get a flu vaccine while visiting your doctor for another reason, your plan’s copayment, deductible and coinsurance will apply to the visit. If you have any questions about your plan coverage, including out-of-network coverage, please refer to your plan materials.
About Sandra Rivera-Luciano, MD, MHSA
Sandra Rivera-Luciano MD, MHSA, currently serves as the Interim Chief Medical Officer for ConnectiCare. She is a seasoned physician with over 15 years of experience in the health care industry. Dr. Rivera-Luciano earned her bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Old Westbury, a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey, and a Master of Science in Health Services Administration from Barry University in Miami, Florida. Dr. Rivera Luciano completed her residency in pediatrics at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.