It's Worth a Shot: Get the Flu Vaccine

Albany, NY (PRWEB) October 12, 2012

The coughing. The sore throat. The fever and body aches. Oh, the misery. Flu season is upon us.

CDPHP® wants to remind everyone that now is the time to get a flu shot. While last year’s flu season began late and was very mild, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that every season is different and unpredictable. Activity is expected to increase in the coming weeks.

That is why the best defense is to protect yourself and your family with the flu vaccine. CDPHP members can take advantage of their no-cost flu vaccine benefit through pharmacies such as CVS and Price Chopper, as well as through their doctor’s office. By New York State law, only adults may be vaccinated by a pharmacist.

The CDC recommends that everyone, ages 6 months and older, should get a flu vaccine each year, especially those who are at high risk of having serious flu-related complications or if they live with or care for people who are at high risk. Members should always speak with their doctor about what line of treatment is best.

This year’s vaccine will protect against three influenza viruses that are common during the season – influenza A (H1N1), influenza A (H3N2) and influenza B.

Flu facts and figures courtesy of the CDC:

•     Symptoms of the flu often include fever and/or chills, sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache and fatigue. It is important to note that not everyone who has the flu gets a fever. Some people (especially children) experience vomiting and diarrhea.
•     You may pass on the flu before you know you are sick. Most healthy adults can infect others 1 day before symptoms appear and up to 5 to 7 days after getting sick.
•     Experts believe the viruses spread mainly via droplets made when infected people cough, sneeze or talk.
•     You do not get the flu from the shot or the nasal spray vaccine.

For more information about the flu, visit CDPHP here or the CDC here.

About CDPHP®
Established in 1984, CDPHP is a physician-founded, member-focused and community-based not-for-profit health plan that offers high-quality affordable health insurance plans to members in 24 counties throughout New York. CDPHP is also on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

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