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Flu and COVID-19 are similar enough to cause confusion about vaccines. They’re both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they’re caused by different viruses. And the vaccines used to prevent these viruses use different technologies.
If you’re thinking flu isn’t all that bad, think again. Flu can be severe and even lead to death, especially in people 65 years and older. It usually comes on suddenly. Signs include fever, chills, a cough, sore throat, muscle aches, headaches and fatigue.
Like COVID-19 and its variants, flu spreads by droplets from coughs, sneezing and even talking. You may infect others before you even know you’re sick. By now, the importance of safe behaviors is well known.
Here are tips to avoid getting or spreading flu:
• Keep it clean: Wash your hands often with soap or an alcohol-based sanitizer. Disinfect high-traffic areas.
• Keep hands away: Avoid touching your face. Germs like to hitchhike on fingers that travel from a germy area to your eyes or mouth.
• Keep your distance: Flu viruses can spread up to 6 feet.
• Keep covered: Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue. No tissue? Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow.
• Keep your immune system strong: Get enough sleep, manage stress, eat healthful foods, and stay active.
And get your flu shot. Every year. Viruses change, so you need to fight the latest strain with the latest vaccine. Flu vaccines are overwhelmingly safe.
You can get your flu shot at no extra cost as part of your Florida Blue Medicare plan when you use a network provider. Florida Blue Medicare members can log in to My Health Link at floridablue.com/medicare to find a doctor in their plan’s network or check their HealthyBlue Rewards dashboard to see if they’re eligible for a reward.
And don’t forget your COVID vaccine if you’re not already fully vaccinated. The CDC recommends a third COVID-19 shot for those 65 years and older who have completed their initial series of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at least six months ago. You can learn more about this booster shot recommendation at CDC.gov.
352-401-5611
Dell Richards
Y0011_ 107687 2021_C, Y0011_ 107687 EGWP 2021_C
Resources: CDC.gov
Florida Blue and Florida Blue Medicare are Independent Licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
