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Talk to your doctor about vaccines and how to protect yourself from the flu.

No one likes getting sick. And some people are at higher risk of health problems from the flu. There are many steps you can take to lower your chances of getting the flu.

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Seniors or Those Who Care for Them
Our immune systems weaken with age. People aged 65 and older have more risk for health issues from the flu. If you’re a senior or live with seniors, a flu shot may help protect you all. Talk with a doctor about how you and those around you can stay safe from flu this year.

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People with a Chronic Condition or Caregivers
Flu can make chronic health problems worse. Those conditions can include diabetes, asthma or heart disease. Flu vaccines can help protect from flu and related complications. Talk with your doctor about how you can stay healthy this flu season.

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Pregnant Moms
Pregnancy can put you and your baby at higher risk for flu and related complications. Getting a flu shot can help protect you and your baby. Speak to your doctor about keeping your growing family healthy.

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Children and Families
Young children have a higher risk of health problems from the flu. Most providers recommend that children get their first flu shot starting at six months of age. Talk to your child’s doctor about keeping them safe from the flu.

Common Questions About the Flu

¿Qué es la Gripe (Influenza)?

  • Flu is a respiratory illness that spreads easily. Viruses infect the nose, throat and sometimes lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness. At times it can lead to death.

Why are flu vaccines recommended every flu season?

  • Los virus de la gripe cambian constantemente. Los científicos predicen cuál es el virus que será más común ese año en particular. Todas las temporadas de gripe, se cambian las vacunas contra la gripe para que funcionen lo mejor posible.
  • Protection from the flu shot gets weaker over time. That’s why a yearly flu vaccine is recommended for most people.

¿La vacuna contra la gripe puede contagiarme la enfermedad?

No. According to the CDC, “flu vaccines either contain inactivated virus, meaning the viruses are no longer infectious, or a particle designed to look like a flu virus to your immune system. While the nasal spray does contain a live virus, the viruses are changed so that they cannot give you the flu.” That means getting a flu vaccine cannot give you the flu. But it can lower your chances of catching or getting very ill from the flu.

¿Cuándo y dónde debe vacunarse contra la gripe?

  • Talk with your doctor. Most doctors recommend getting your vaccine by the end of October if possible. Even if you do it later, it still helps protect you.
  • You can get your flu vaccine in many doctor’s offices. You may also be able to get vaccinated in pharmacies, clinics and health centers. Sometimes schools and workplaces offer vaccines.

¿Cómo sabe si alguien tiene gripe?

The flu is different from a cold. The flu usually starts suddenly. People who have the flu often feel some or all these symptoms:

  • Fiebre* o sensación de fiebre/escalofríos
  • Tos
  • Dolor de garganta
  • Goteo o congestión nasal
  • Dolores musculares o corporales
  • Dolores de cabeza
  • Tiredness
  • Algunas personas pueden presentar vómitos y diarrea. Esto es más frecuente niños que en adultos.

“Es importante tener en cuenta que no todas las personas con gripe tendrán fiebre.

¿A dónde debe acudir si presenta síntomas de influenza?

Visit your doctor or urgent care or call Member Services at the number on your member ID card with questions. From Oct. 1 to March 31, you can call us seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. From April 1 to Sept. 30, you can call us Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. A messaging system is used after hours as well as on weekends and federal holidays. You can also ask about medications that could help you feel better faster. Unless you have a very high fever or trouble breathing, you should not need to go to the emergency room for the flu.

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