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How to protect yourself from the flu

 

Ah-choo! You know it’s flu season when you start hearing sneezes, sniffles and coughs around you. Every late fall and winter, it’s important that we are all proactive in preventing the flu by getting a flu shot.

 

 

Did you know that all IEHP members qualify for a FREE flu shot? Whether you decide to schedule a flu shot at your doctor’s office or a pharmacy, getting your flu shot every year won’t cost you anything but a few minutes of your time. More importantly, it helps keep you healthy by preventing any severe flu symptoms.

Who needs the flu shot?

While we encourage everyone to receive a flu shot, the following groups are considered high risk for severe flu complications and should make getting a flu shot a high priority:

  • Anyone 65 years of age or older
  • Pregnant women
  • Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities
  • Children, 6 months or older

 

In many cases, the flu shot can prevent the flu, lessen the symptoms if you get the flu, and reduce spreading the flu to others. Now that sounds like a win-win.

Types of flu vaccine available

 

While the flu shot is the most widely available flu vaccine, there are other types as well. If you’re interested, ask your provider to see what options they have.

 

Flu vaccine types:

  • Needle (for 6 months and older)
  • Jet injector (for age 18-64)
  • Nasal spray (for age 2-49)

Debunking common myths about the flu shot

Myth 1: I can get the flu from the flu shot.

 

False. The flu shot is made from an inactive virus, so it doesn’t cause infection and won’t cause the flu.

 

For those who get the flu shot and still get the flu, they usually have less severe symptoms than those who did not get the flu shot.

Myth 2: I’m healthy; I don’t need the flu shot.

 

False. Even healthy people can get sick, so the great thing about the flu shot is that it lowers your chances of getting sick.

Myth 3: I got a flu shot last year. I don’t need a shot this year.

 

False. Because the flu virus changes every year, so does the flu shot. You’ll need a flu shot every year to fight the current flu virus.

Myth 4: The flu shot doesn’t work well.

 

False. The flu shot lowers your chances of getting sick. In people who get the vaccine but still get sick, the vaccine lowers the risk of getting severe flu symptoms and flu-related hospitalizations and deaths.

For more insight, you can check out these dashboards from San Bernardino and Riverside counties. You’ll be able to see data on emergency room visits and hospitalizations due to the flu.


Visit the San Bernardino County Influenza-Like Surveillance Dashboard

Visit the Riverside County Respiratory Dashboard

Frequently asked questions - Flu

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Frequently asked questions

You can visit your doctor’s office (for adults and children) or certain network pharmacies like CVS, Rite Aid, and Walgreens (for adults only).

To avoid catching the flu, we recommend that you: 

  • Get the flu shot.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Wear something to cover your mouth and nose when in public.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water. If you don't have soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. 
  • Eat healthy.
  • Drink lots of fluids, especially water. 
  • Get plenty of rest.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces around you.

If you get the flu, be sure to:

  • Stay home and rest.
  • Avoid others. 
  • Drink lots of fluids, like water and juice.
  • Call your doctor for advice on starting a medication or treating symptoms.

If you have the flu but can’t reach your doctor, call the IEHP 24-Hour Nurse Advice Line at at 1-888-244-IEHP (4347) or 711 for TTY users. Our nurses can connect you with a board-certified doctor by telephone or virtual visit via video chat. We hope you’ll get well soon.