Seasonal Flu Information

There are several different types of flu virus, which can be generally categorized as the H1N1 flu (commonly called the "swine flu") and the seasonal flu. This page will cover information about the seasonal flu information only.
To learn more about the H1N1 flu, click here.

The seasonal flu occurs each year and it’s often wise to be immunized. Your doctor’s office is the best resource for vaccination.

General Information on Seasonal Flu | Getting the Seasonal Flu Shot | Will My HMO Pay for the Vaccination? l What if My Doctor’s Office is Out of Stock? | Seasonal Flu Shot Reimbursement Form | How can I Reduce My Flu Risk?

General Information on the Seasonal Flu

The most common flu is the seasonal flu. Its symptoms include fever, body aches, a headache, a dry cough, and a sore or dry throat. You may feel tired and less hungry than usual. The symptoms usually are the worst for the first 3 or 4 days, but it can take 1 to 2 weeks to get completely better. Most people can treat flu symptoms at home by resting, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking medicine to lower your fever.

Getting the Seasonal Flu Shot

A seasonal flu shot is a good idea for people who are at high risk for getting other health problems from the flu. This includes:

People who are age 50 or older.
People who have long-term, chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, or respiratory disease, including asthma.
People who live in nursing homes or long-term care centers.
People who have a weakened immune system.
Women who are or will be pregnant during the flu season.
Children 6 months through 4 years of age. (The flu shot is recommended for all children from 6 months to 18 years of age.)

A seasonal flu shot is also important for people who could spread the flu to others who are at high risk. This includes:

Anyone who lives with or cares for a child who is younger than 5.
Anyone in close contact with a person who is at high risk for other health problems from the flu. This includes family, friends, and caregivers.
Health care workers.

Some people should not get the seasonal flu shot without talking to their doctor first. This includes:

People who are allergic to eggs.
People who have had a bad reaction to the flu shot in the past.
People who had a rare nerve disorder called Guillain-Barre syndrome after they had an earlier flu shot.
People who are already sick. If you are ill and have a fever, wait until you're better to get a flu shot.

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Will My HMO Plan Cover the Seasonal Flu Shot?

Your doctor’s office is the best resource for getting a seasonal flu shot, and all health plans affiliated with Hill Physicians are covering the shot.

What If My Doctor’s Office is Out of the Seasonal Flu Vaccine?

There may be times when your doctor does not have the vaccine in stock because of high demand or slow vaccine production.

If your doctor’s office runs out of the seasonal flu vaccine, you can obtain the vaccination from a retail location (such as Walgreen’s, CVS/Longs, Safeway Pharmacy, etc.) and be reimbursed for the cost up to $30.

Flu Shot Reimbursement Form

Please use the following form to be reimbursed for both the seasonal and H1N1 flu shots this year.

Use the Flu Shot Reimbursement Form here

Advice on How to Stay Healthy this Flu Season

This additional information can help you stay well and provide additional information on the seasonal flu:

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