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• Flu Season Tips
• Should I get a flu shot?
• Where can I get a flu shot?
• Is it a Cold or the Flu?
• Online Resources

Flu Season Tips

Flu season begins in early October and last into May. The flu is a sickness that infects the nose, throat and lungs. It is caused by the influenza virus. Getting a flu shot each fall is the best way to prevent the flu. Flu shots are FREE to all CareOregon members.

Healthy Roads Media has developed a movie about the flu that you can watch as a Flash movie on their web site. If the movie does not start once the page has loaded, you may need to download and install the free Adobe Flash Player.

Getting the flu may cause serious health problems for some individuals. These people should get a flu shot as soon as the vaccine is available. CareOregon primary care providers, pharmacies, and flu shot providers will give priority service to individuals that have the greatest risk of developing health problems when the vaccine first becomes available. Check with your Primary Care Provider or your local pharmacy during the flu season to find out when you and your family can get flu shots.

Should I get a flu shot?

Yes, if you are a member of any of the groups listed below:

• Children ages 6-59 months
• Adults ages 50 and older
• Children and adolescents ages 6 months to 18 years of age on long-term aspirin treatment. Children can develop Reye's Syndrome if they get influenza.
• People living in nursing homes and other long-term facilities housing persons with chronic medical conditions
• People who have long-term health problems such as heart disease, lung disease, asthma, kidney disease, or metabolic disease, such as diabetes, anemia and other blood disorders
• People with certain muscle or nerve disorders that could cause breathing or swallowing problems (such as seizure disorders or severe cerebral palsy)
• People with a weakened immune system due to HIV/AIDS or other diseases affecting the immune system, long-term treatment with drugs such as steroids, or cancer treatment with x-rays or drugs
• Women who are pregnant during flu season
• Health-care workers, family members or anyone who provides direct patient care
• Caregivers and people who have close contact to children 0 to 59 months old
• Anyone else who wants to reduce their chance of getting flu should get a flu shot.

Where can I get a flu shot?

• To find a flu shot provider, call SafeNet at 503-988-5858. Outside the Portland metro calling area or for languages other than English, call toll free 1-800-SAFENET (1-800-723-3638).
• CareOregon members who are age 19 or older may get a shot through GetAFluShot.com. Call toll free 1-877-FLU-SHOT (1-877-358-7468) or check its web site www.GetAFluShot.com.
• Members age 18 or younger should get a flu shot from their PCP.
• Many pharmacies give flu shots. Show your ID card and ask the pharmacist to bill CareOregon for your shot.

Is it a Cold or the Flu?

The flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. Antibiotics cannot cure a cold or the flu.

It can be hard to tell the difference between a cold and the flu. Cold and flu symptoms are similar. The chart below compares cold and flu symptoms.

The Healthwise® Handbook, a self-care guide for you and your family, has helpful information on how to stay well during the flu season and suggestions for home treatment. Call our Member Service Department on business days from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., to get your FREE copy of the Healthwise® Handbook.

For more information see: http://www.health.ri.gov/flu/signs-symptoms.php or http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/896flcht.html.

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