Flu Information You Need

Presbyterian wants you to stay healthy and flu free this season.

Flu: make sure you know the basics to stay well

The seasonal flu typically strikes the United States each year some time between October and December and can last as late as March or April. The best way to protect yourself from seasonal flu is to get a flu shot. Presbyterian Health Plan members can get a flu shot at many convenient retail pharmacies including: Albertsons, Costco, CVS, Kmart, Regent Drugs, Sam's Club, Smith's, Target, Walgreens and Walmart. Make sure to show your Presbyterian member ID when you go for a flu shot so you don't get charged.

Who should get a flu shot?

This year you only need one flu shot (the H1N1 vaccine is included in this year's flu shot). The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following people get a flu shot:

- Everyone 6 months and older.
- People at high risk of serious flu complications, including young children; pregnant women; people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease; and people 65 years and older.
- Healthcare workers and other people who live with or care for people at high risk of complications from the flu.
- Children younger than 6 months are at high risk of serious flu illness, but are too young to be vaccinated. People who care for them should be vaccinated.

How to stay healthy

- Get a flu shot, if possible.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use an alcohol-based hand rub when soap and water are not available.
- Don't touch your eyes, nose or mouth - germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

Know the symptoms

The flu may feel like a cold, but you usually have a high fever and are sicker for a longer time. Symptoms include:

- Fever of 100.4 degrees or higher
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Extreme Tiredness
- Muscle aches
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (more common in children than adults).

If you think you have the flu

The New Mexico Department of Health has issued a Flu Decision Chart to assist in making decisions about how best to treat you or your loved ones.  Keep in mind that it is not important to know if you have seasonal or H1N1 flu, the recommendations are the same. For additional information about seasonal and H1N1 novel flu, visit the New Mexico Department of Health Web Site or the Centers for Disease Control Web Site.