888-765-5400How to Prevent and Treat H1N1
H1N1 Prevention, Symptoms and Treatment
Flu season is likely to start earlier and be more widespread this year. The 2009 H1N1influenza 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 alsoinclude 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 to prevent or decrease the severity of the flu.
· Also get the 2009 H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available (plan is for early to mid-October). BCBSNC will be waiving deductible and coinsurance payments for the H1N1 vaccine administration for our fully insured members that do not have immunization benefits. Members in self-funded plans should check with their plan administrator to determine if a copayment, deductible or coinsurance will apply. All applicable copayment, coinsurance and deductible payments will still apply for the seasonal flu vaccine.
· 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
It’s important to note that the influenza virus can be unpredictable, and that the CDC’s recommendations are subject to change. To stay current, consult the following Web sites:
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
The above information is taken from a News Release from BCBSNC October 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.
