‘Tis the (flu) Season!

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the number one way to prevent the flu is to get an annual flu vaccine. With the flu season upon us, Physicians Health Choice would like to remind members to visit your Primary Care Physician (PCP) for your annual flu shot. As a member of Physicians Health Choice, you pay nothing for the flu vaccine.

What is the flu?
Influenza- also called “the flu”- is a very contagious respiratory illness, caused by influenza A, B or C viruses, and frequently appears in winter and early spring.

What are common flu symptoms?
Cough, headache, chest discomfort, fatigue, weakness and fever are all common flu symptoms.

What causes the flu?
The flu is caused by coming into contact with the virus by way of someone or something. You can pick up the virus by hand-to-hand contact, touching doorknobs, sharing items or droplets in the air from coughs and sneezes. Once the virus touches your eyes, nose or mouth, the flu virus enters your body and you have become infected with it.

How can I treat the flu?
While there is no cure for the flu, there are preventative measures you can take. Antibiotics do not treat viruses, so they probably won’t help in the case of the flu. Your physician will make that determination.

The number one form of flu prevention is to get an annual flu shot either from your PCP or at a local pharmacy. Also, encourage family members (or others in your home) to get a flu shot. It is recommended that the vaccine is given in October or November.

If you need more information on where to get a flu shot, please contact Customer Service at 1-866-550-4736 (TTY/TDD users may call 711). The hours of operation are 8 am – 8 pm, Monday through Friday.