A Flu Shot Primer

The flu (influenza) is a serious viral illness. People who have the flu usually get a cough, high fever, muscle aches, headache and sore throat. Antibiotics do not work against viruses such as the flu, but a flu shot can protect you.

If You Are At High Risk

The flu shot is recommended for people who are at high risk for complications from the flu, including:

• Adults or children who have diabetes, heart disease, asthma or other chronic medical conditions A Adults or children with a weakened immune system
• Children ages 6 to 23 months
• Women who are pregnant during the flu season
• Adults ages 65 and older

The flu can be deadly for these people because they may not have the strength or energy to fight the influenza virus effectively.

A New Shot Every Year

The virus that causes the flu changes frequently, so a new vaccine is developed every year. It’s best to get a flu shot in October or November.

Call your primary care clinic to set up an appointment or learn about special flu shot clinics. Discuss the flu vaccine with your primary care practitioner to determine whether it is appropriate for you. For most plans, you must receive your flu shot at your primary care clinic to ensure that it will be covered by Dean Health Plan (DHP). Also, DHP does not cover the nasal flu vaccine, FluMist, because it has not been approved for use in all populations.

Protection and Prevention

There are several steps you can take to help protect yourself against the flu and help prevent it from spreading:

• Get a flu shot.
• Wash your hands frequently. Use an alcohol-based gel if you don’t have access to water.
• Cough and sneeze into a tissue or into your hands. Wash your hands afterward.
• Turn your head away from others when you cough or sneeze.
• If you have a sudden sneeze and no tissue, sneeze into the crook of your elbow.
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth. This prevents germs on your hand from entering your body.
• Wash any shared surfaces (such as phones and keyboards) frequently. Viruses can live on surfaces for several hours.
• Eat well and exercise regularly. A well-nourished immune system is better able to fight off infections. Also, regular exercise such as aerobics and walking boosts the immune system.

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