November 2009

Dear Genesee Health Plan Member,

The Flu season is here! There are two kinds of Flu this year. The Seasonal Flu that people usually get in the fall and winter months and the H1N1 (Swine Flu). Each kind of Flu has its own vaccine. The best place for you to receive both vaccines is at your doctor’s office. Please call your doctor’s office to see if they have the vaccines and when you should come to get the vaccines. You may need to make two trips because the nasal spray and the regular flu shot cannot be given at the same time.

The H1N1 vaccine will be given first to pregnant women, caregivers of children younger than 6 months of age, healthcare and emergency medical services workers, healthy kids age 2-4 – nasal spray only, people age 4 – 24 – nasal spray or Flu shot, people age 25 – 64 with health conditions. Everyone will have a chance to get the H1N1 shot as soon as more of the vaccine gets here.

If your doctor does not give Flu shots, call the Flu Hotline at the McLaren Visiting Nurse Association at 1-800-343-6400 or visit the Genesee Health Plan website at geneseehealthplan.org to learn where to go or to find out more information.

Both kinds of Flu shots or Flu nasal spray vaccine will be free to you but you must show your active Genesee Health Plan card.

Basic Information about Flu:

·         Flu spreads from person to person, mainly through coughs and sneezes.

·         H1N1 is more likely to infect children and younger adults rather than older people.

·         You cannot catch Flu through food or animals.

·         Signs and symptoms vary but can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, and chills. Some people also have diarrhea or vomiting.

·         Flu vaccines, both shots and nasal spray have been approved by the government as safe.

To keep from getting or spreading the Flu:

·         Wash your hands often with warm water and soap for 20 seconds or more (count to 20).

·         If soap and water is not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

·         Be careful when you cough or sneeze. Cover your mouth or nose with a tissue.

·         Cough or sneeze into the sleeve of you shirt if you do not have a tissue.

• Remember to keep your hands away from your mouth, nose, and eyes.

Most people with the Flu can be cared for at home. If you are sick, stay home for 24 hours after your temperature returns to normal to avoid spreading the Flu. Please contact your doctor if you are unsure whether you need to get medical help.

Linda Hamacher

President and CEO

Genesee Health Plan