Protect Yourself from the Flu Outbreak

BOSTON --(Business Wire)--

This year's influenza pandemic may be one of the worst outbreaks in recent history, with more than 700 confirmed cases in Boston. With the flu sending many people to health clinics and hospitals around the state, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBSMA) encourages members to take the necessary preventative precautions to avoid the flu.

"More than 200,000 people are hospitalized each year from the seasonal flu," said Dr. Tom Hawkins, a medical director for BCBSMA. "According to the Public Health Commission, Massachusetts is one of more than two dozen states that are experiencing high levels of activity this year. Most at risk are children younger than two, adults 65 and older, pregnant women, and people with chronic diseases. Getting a flu vaccination is an easy and effective way for families and loved ones to stay healthy. The vaccine is safe, effective and widely available."

Flu activity most commonly peaks in the U.S. in January or February, so it's important to get a vaccination to stay healthy. Experts recommend that everyone six months and older receive a flu shot annually-even if the viruses in the vaccine are the same as the year before, immunity to flu viruses declines over time, resulting in low protection after one year. Members at risk for complications due to influenza, with chronic diseases, who likely have influenza (with fever, chills - not just upper respiratory infections), are candidates for antiviral medications, which can help reduce severity and duration - and are more effective early than later in the course. Please check with your doctor for treatment options.

Where BCBSMA Members Can Get a Flu Shot

Flu shots are covered when members visit participating providers. To find a participating provider visit: www.bluecrossma.com/flu, or call the number on the front of your BCBSMA member ID card. Members should bring their ID card when getting an service from a participating provider/vendor, including their flu shot. Many providers/locations include:

Primary care provider, certified nurse-midwife, nurse practitioner, or specialist.
Hospitals (outpatient department or hospital-based clinics).
Limited services clinics, like a CVS MinuteClinic®.
Urgent care centers.
Public flu shot clinics at community centers, senior center or schools.
Workplace flu clinics (check with your employer on availability).

Members who have BCBSMA pharmacy coverage can also receive flu vaccination at Express Scripts, Inc. eligible pharmacies without a prescription. Please visit Member Central to see a list of all participating locations.

Prevent Spreading the Flu by Practicing Good Hygiene Tips

There are several easy ways to help prevent spreading the flu to your friends, family, co-workers, and the general public. The BCBSMA flu tips and prevention video demonstrates quick and simple ways to keep you and others healthy this season. Quick tips include:

Frequently wash hands with soap and warm water, especially after touching surfaces in public places.
Avoid touching your face, especially if your hands are not washed.
When hand washing is not possible, use antiseptic hand gels that contain alcohol.
Cover the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Throw out the tissue in the nearest wastebasket and immediately wash hands or use sanitizer. You can also sneeze into the crook of an arm instead.
Stay at least three feet away from people coughing or sneezing.
Immediately wash hands after contact with an ill person.
When sick stay home and keep children home when they are sick.

Flu Treatment Tips

Sometimes getting sick is unavoidable. There are several symptoms to lookout for when you suspect you have the flu including: a fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. In some cases, diarrhea and vomiting may also occur. Severe symptoms may last three to six days, and the cough may last for weeks. If flu symptoms develop, there are a number of steps that can be taken to get healthy.

Avoid contact with others, get rest, stay hydrated, and seek treatment early.
Consult a doctor or call the Blue Care Line^SM, BCBSMA's free hotline at 1(888) 247-BLUE (2583), where members can speak with a registered nurse 24-hours a day, seven days a week. The CDC encourages high-risk groups, including pregnant women and the elderly, to seek prompt medical attention if they have been exposed to or have developed the flu.
Drink hot liquids to rehydrate, soothe a sore throat, and unplug a stuffy nose.
Don't suppress coughs that bring up mucus, and don't consume dairy products for several days.
Take acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium. Children and teenagers should stay away from aspirin. As always, people should check with their health care providers to make sure that these treatments are appropriate.

For more information, visit www.bluecrossma.com/flu or the CDC's website at: www.cdc.gov/flu. Massachusetts residents looking for up-to-date flu information should call the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, toll free, at 1(866) 627-7968 or visit www.mass.gov/dph/flu.

About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (www.bluecrossma.com) is a community-focused, tax-paying, not-for-profit health plan headquartered in Boston. We are committed to working with others in a spirit of shared responsibility to make quality health care affordable. Consistent with our corporate promise to always put our 2.8 million members first, we are rated among the nation's best health plans for member satisfaction and quality.