Flu Season: What You Need to Know
Note: This article is over 60 days old, and may contain information that is out of date, or has been superseded by newer information.
Are you ready for flu season? Yearly epidemics of seasonal influenza occur typically during the late fall through early spring. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year. Vaccination is recommended for anyone over six months who wishes to reduce the likelihood of becoming ill with influenza or of transmitting the virus to others should they become infected.
The flu is unpredictable, but the 2009 H1N1 viruses as well as the regular seasonal viruses will likely cause illness in the U.S. this flu season. The 2010-11 flu vaccine will protect against three different flu viruses: an H3N2 virus, an influenza B virus and the H1N1 virus that caused so much illness last season. The 2010-11 flu vaccine is now available, and Capital Health Plan members have multiple ways to receive it. Members may receive vaccination at their primary care physician’s office.
The vaccine is also available at the Leon County or Wakulla County Health Departments. Beginning October 1, CHP members may also get the vaccine at one of the following pharmacies: CVS, K-Mart, Publix and Winn-Dixie.
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