888-765-5400Flu Season and H1N1
Flu season is likely to start earlier and be more widespread this year. The 2009 H1N1 influenza virus that triggered the April 2009 outbreak and caused only mild illness will likely be the major strain. Standard strains of the flu will also be circulating, and there is a chance that the flu (seasonal and 2009 H1N1) could cause more severe illness. Blue Cross Blue Shield is making flu shots available to eligible members with preventive care benefits. (The flu shot is subject to any applicable copayment, deductible or coinsurance.)
H1N1 Prevention, Symptoms and Treatment
Flu season is likely to start earlier and be more widespread this year. The 2009 H1N1
influenza virus that triggered the April 2009 outbreak and caused only mild illness will
likely be the major strain. Standard strains of the flu will also be circulating, and there is
a chance that the flu (seasonal and 2009 H1N1) could cause more severe illness.
Flu symptoms include fever or chills and cough or sore throat. Symptoms may also
include runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting. It is hard
to tell if someone who is sick has the 2009 H1N1 flu or seasonal flu.
Prevention will play a very key role this year. Prevention includes protecting yourself
and NOT spreading the disease to others. Here’s what you should do:
Prevent:
• A cough or sneeze may be the first symptom of illness. Therefore, every
time you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue and throw
used tissues in the trash.
• If you develop flu symptoms, make arrangements to go home as soon as
possible.
• Stay home until at least 24 hours after you no longer have fever (100
degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (chills, feel very
warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). Checking for absence of a
fever should be determined without the use of ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
• Hand washing protects yourself and others, so wash your hands often,
especially after you cough or sneeze, or:
o Before and after preparing food or eating.
o After using the restroom.
o Before and after touching your nose, eyes or mouth.
o After you’ve been in contact with commonly touched surfaces such as
doorknobs and handrails.
• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
o Use alcohol-based hand cleaners if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth to prevent spreading germs.
Vaccinate:
• Get the vaccine for seasonal flu – usually available in October – to prevent or
decrease the severity of the flu.
• Also get the 2009 H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available (plan is for late
October). The vaccine will likely require two shots, a primary shot and a booster
shot approximately one month later. Priority groups should receive the 2009
H1N1 vaccine first. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) list
these groups as:
o Pregnant women
o People who live with or provide care for infants less than 6 months of age
o Health care and emergency medical services personnel
o Children and young adults ages 6 months to 24 years
o Adults ages 25 to 64 years with medical conditions that put them at higher
risk for influenza-related complications
Get Well:
• Most healthy people recover from the H1N1 or seasonal flu without
complications. If you get the flu, it’s important that you:
• Stay home from work or school.
• Get lots of rest, drink plenty of liquids, and avoid using alcohol and tobacco.
• Relieve the symptoms of the flu with appropriate over-the-counter
medications, or as directed by your doctor. ***However, never give aspirin
to children or teenagers who have flu-like symptoms, particularly fever.
• If you’re at risk for serious complications, consult your provider as soon
as you can for recommendations for antiviral medications if you’ve been
exposed to someone who likely has 2009 H1N1. You are considered high
risk if you:
o Are under the age of 5 or over 65
o Are pregnant
o Have a chronic medical condition, such as pulmonary disease,
asthma, diabetes, neuromuscular disorders, heart disease, or a
compromised immune system
Here are the warning signs that the sick person needs urgent medical attention:
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
The information above is brought to you from BCBSNC: September 11, 2009.
For more information on health insurance coverage in North Carolina and how to utilize My Member Services, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our qualified agents. Our agency provides coverage for health insurance in North Carolina through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC). You may qualify for a 15% healthy lifestyle discount if you are in excellent health. Call us for details.