Flu Information

• To find a location for a flu shot log on to www.findaflushot.com
   
• For flu shot reimbursement, send your receipt to:
   

  AvMed Health Plans Attn:  Member Services PO Box 569000 Miami, FL  33256

   
• Below are helpful tips and information on how to stay healthy this flu season.




Good Health Habits Good health habits are also an important way to prevent the flu. Avoid close contact from those who are sick.  Also, when you are sick, keep your distance so others do not get sick. Stay home when you are sick.  If possible stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick, this will prevent you from spreading the flu to others. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.  It may prevent those around you form getting sick. Wash your hands often.  Washing your hands will protect you from germs. Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Get regular exercise. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.  Viruses are most likely to enter your body through these areas. Stop smoking.  It irritates the lining of your nose, sinuses, and lungs, which may make you more susceptible to complications of the flu. Keep your hands clean.  Wash your hands with soap and water or clean with alcohol based-hand cleaner.



• Prevent the flu: Get Vaccinated
  The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccination each fall.  October or November is the best time to get vaccinated, but getting vaccinated in December or later can still be beneficial.
  
  Anyone who wants to risk their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated.  Those considered high risk should be vaccinated yearly.




Persons at Increased Risk for Complications A flu vaccination is recommended for the following persons who are at increased risk for severe complications from influenza: children aged 6--23 months; children and adolescents (aged 6 months--18 years) who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and, therefore, might be at risk for experiencing Reye syndrome after influenza virus infection; women who will be pregnant during the influenza season; adults and children who have chronic disorders of the pulmonary or cardiovascular systems, including asthma (hypertension is not considered a high-risk condition); adults and children who have required regular medical follow-up or hospitalization during the preceding year because of chronic metabolic diseases (including diabetes mellitus), renal dysfunction, hemoglobinopathies, or immunodeficiency (including immunodeficiency caused by medications or by human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]); adults and children who have any condition (e.g., cognitive dysfunction, spinal cord injuries, seizure disorders, or other neuromuscular disorders) that can compromise respiratory function or the handling of respiratory secretions or that can increase the risk for aspiration; residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities that house persons of any age who have chronic medical conditions; persons aged >65 years



• Hand Washing Tips
  Keeping your hands clean is one of the best ways to help keep you from getting sick and spreading disease.
  
  

  Hand Washing Tips When to Wash Before eating Before, during, and after handling or preparing food After contact with blood or body fluids (like vomit, nasal secretions, or saliva) After changing a diaper After you use the bathroom After handling animals, their toys, leashes, or waste After touching something that could be contaminated (such as a trash can, cleaning cloth, drain, or soil) Before dressing a wound, giving medicine or inserting contact lenses More often when someone in your home is sick Whenever they look dirty How to Wash Wet your hands and apply liquid, bar, or powder soap Rub hands together vigorously to make a lather and scrub all surfaces Continue for 20 seconds!  It takes that long for the soap and scrubbing action to dislodge and remove stubborn germs.  Need a timer?  Imagine singing “Happy Birthday” all the way through twice! Rinse hands well under running water Dry your hands using a paper towel or air dryer If possible, use your paper towel to turn off the faucet If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol based wipe or hand gel!

  
   

  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Influenza (Flu) Site   Flu Prevention Information (CDC) Seven Keys to a Safer Healthier Home (CDC)

  
  

• Key Facts about Avian Flu
   
• Infection in Humans
   
• Current Situation
   
• Questions & Answers
   
• The Virus and Its Spread
   
• Prevention
   
• Outbreaks

• General Information
   
• Questions & Answers
   
• Planning & Response