September Article on Health Insurance

Staying Healthy During Flu Season

Helpful Tips to Access Resources on Seasonal & H1N1 Flu

By Terrina Thomas

No one wants to get sick. What can you do to stay healthy and where do you go for accurate and timely information on the flu? Below are some helpful tips to get you through the flu season.

What is the seasonal flu and H1N1 flu (swine flu)?

Influenza (seasonal flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses which can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC the best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get a seasonal flu shot every year.

H1N1 (swine flu) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. It was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person similar to the way seasonal flu spreads. The seasonal flu shot does not protect against H1N1 flu.

Who should receive the H1N1 flu shot?

Pregnant women because they are at higher risk of complications and can potentially provide protection to infants who cannot be vaccinated;

Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age because younger infants are at higher risk of influenza-related complications and cannot be vaccinated. Vaccination of those in close contact with infants less than 6 months old might help protect infants by “cocooning” them from the virus;

Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel because infections among healthcare workers have been reported and this can be a potential source of infection for vulnerable patients. Also, increased absenteeism in this population could reduce healthcare system capacity;

All people from 6 months through 24 years of age

Children from 6 months through 18 years of age because we have seen many cases of novel H1N1 influenza in children and they are in close contact with each other in school and day care settings, which increases the likelihood of disease spread, and

Young adults 19 through 24 years of age because we have seen many cases of novel H1N1 influenza in these healthy young adults and they often live, work, and study in close proximity, and they are a frequently mobile population; and,

Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.

Where can I get vaccinated?

The seasonal flu vaccine is available now through physician offices and pharmacy chains throughout Hampton Roads. Simply check with your physician or pharmacists for availability prior to seeking the vaccine.

The H1N1 vaccine is not yet available. The CDC should release plans for administration of the H1N1 vaccine within the next month.

How much does it cost?

Most health insurance plans cover the cost of the seasonal flu under the health and prevention portion of your health plan. However, some copays may apply, depending on the type of plan you have. Check with your insurance carrier before you schedule a vaccination so you know your anticipated out-of-pocket expenses.

Pharmacy charges for the seasonal flu vaccine range from $15-40 per vaccine. It is anticipated that the H1N1 flu vaccine will be offered and administered statewide through an organized CDC process and there will no charge. However, at this time the CDC has not released any details about availability and administration of the vaccine.

Take everyday actions to stay healthy

To protect yourself from getting the flu:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it, and then immediately wash your hands.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

Stay home if you get sick. Limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.


Develop a Family Emergency Plan

As a precaution, you may want to consider developing a family emergency plan that includes storing a supply of food, medicines, facemasks, alcohol-based hand rubs and other essential supplies as a result of an outbreak.

Stay Informed

Seek out information on the seasonal flu and H1N1 (swine flu) from accurate sources. The Virginia Department of Health has a Public Information Hotline, 1-877-ASK-VDH3 or 1-877-275-8343 to get answers to general questions Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. The CDC website, www.cdc.gov offers extensive information on the seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu. Or, visit Sentara Healthcare’s website, www.sentara.com and sign-up for Sentara FluNews to receive regular local information and updates as they become available. Remember to follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.

In closing, to stay healthy during flu season, use common sense, stay informed, and get vaccinated.

Terrina Thomas is director of community health and prevention at Optima Health, a Virginia-based health plan with more than 415,000 members, nationally-recognized for its quality, service and innovative programs.

Questions, contact Becky Lawson at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 757-552-7304.