Seasonal Flu Information

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 |Should I Get a Shot? | Getting the Seasonal Flu Shot | Am I covered for the Flu Shot? |
How can I Reduce My Flu Risk?

General Information on the Flu

The most common is the seasonal flu. Symptoms include fever, body aches, headache, dry cough and a sore or dry throat. You may feel tired and less hungry than usual. While symptoms are worst for the first 3 or 4 days, it may take 1 or 2 weeks to get completely better. Flu symptoms can be treated at home with rest, plenty of fluids, and medicine to reduce fever.

Hill Physicians recommends contacting your family physician before attempting home treatment if you or a family member are exhibiting flu symptoms.

Should I Get the Flu Shot?

If you're not sure whether or not you should get vaccinated, use our interactive decision tool to decide whether a flu shot is right for you...

Getting the 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 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 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.

[ back to top ]

Will My HMO Plan Cover the Flu Shot?

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

Get the flu shot reimbursement form and more on our Preventive Guidelines page...

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:

[ back to top ]