Preventing the Spread of the H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)

You and your family could be at risk of getting the H1N1 flu (also known as the "Swine Flu"). To help keep you healthy, we are providing some highlights and resources to help prevent the spread of the H1N1 flu.

Table of Contents

What is the H1N1 flu?

Who is at risk of getting the H1N1 flu?

Is the H1N1 flu vaccine different?

How can I get the vaccine?

Does my BEST Life medical plan cover the H1N1 vaccine?

How can I tell if I have the H1N1 flu?

How can I prevent the H1N1 flu from spreading?

Where else can I go for more answers?

 

What is the H1N1 flu?

The H1N1 flu is a new strain of the swine influenza and is different from the seasonal flu strains we normally experience. Even though this new strain originated from pigs, it is not spread by food and you cannot get infected from eating properly handled and cooked pork products.

The H1N1 flu is very contagious because it is new in the United States and there is little to no immunity among humans. The flu can be spread from person to person and symptoms can vary from mild to severe depending on the age and health of the infected person.

Certain groups of people have a higher risk of developing complications.

Who is at risk of getting the H1N1 flu?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has labeled these groups as high at risk and recommends these people to get vaccinated:

1. Health care workers and emergency personnel
2. Pregnant women
3. Parents and caregivers of infants under 6 months old
4. Young people from ages 6 months to 24 years
5. People ages 25 through 64 years with chronic health disorders, severe illness or weakened immune systems

Limited batches of the vaccine are being made available at a time. To distribute the vaccine effectively, the State Departments of Health are releasing the vaccine to people high at risk first.

Is the H1N1 flu vaccine different?

Yes. The H1N1 flu vaccine is not the same as the one used for the seasonal flu. The H1N1 flu vaccine is available as a shot or nasal spray and can be received simultaneously with a vaccine shot for the seasonal flu. Check with your doctor or pharmacy to find out if the H1N1 vaccine is available and to confirm if you or your family are at risk.

How can I get the vaccine?

You can contact your doctor, local pharmacy, local or state department of health to find out where and when the vaccine is available. A flu vaccine locator is also available from the federal government's website.

Does my BEST Life medical plan cover the H1N1 vaccine?

While the vaccine itself is free (paid by the federal government), the administration of the H1N1 vaccine is covered as a preventive care benefit on your BEST Life medical plan.

The process to get the vaccine covered is the same as for any other vaccine. Once administered, your provider will submit a claim on your behalf.

If your doctor is part of the PPO network, your vaccine will be covered 100% up to the maximum set by your plan. If your doctor is not part of the PPO network, your vaccine will be applied to your deductible and then to your coinsurance.

Please refer to your plan's Certificate Booklet for more details.

How can I tell if I have the H1N1 flu?

Symptoms can include:

1. Fever
2. Muscle aches
3. Chills
4. Coughing
5. Headaches
6. Sore throat
7. Congestion
8. Fatigue
9. Diarrhea and vomiting has also been reported as symptoms

If you are still not sure, you can also use this H1N1 Flu Self-Evaluation tool, which will also advise you on what you should do based on how you feel.

The CDC recommends infected people to stay at home and to avoid contact with other people, unless getting medical attention or necessities.

How can I prevent the H1N1 flu from spreading?

The H1N1 flu is spread from person to person in the same way the seasonal flu is spread: through coughs or sneezes, or by touching an object or surface contaminated by the flu.

To prevent the H1N1 flu from spreading, the following is recommended based on what the CDC suggests:

• Get vaccinated. This is the best form of prevention.
• Wash hands often with soap and water or with an alochol based gel santizer or hand wipes.
• Keep away from crowds as much as possible. If you are ill, stay home from work or school and limit your contact with others.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw away the used tissue immediately.
• If a tissue is not available, cough into your elbow or shoulder.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. This is how germs are spread.
• Teach children how to wash their hands (with soap and water for 20 seconds), and to cough and sneeze into a tissue, or into their elbow.
• If you get sick, talk your doctor about antiviral drugs.

Where else can I go for more answers?

Your doctor, local pharmacy or local health department can provide you with answers. There are two main online resources you can access as well for the most up-to-date information:

• The CDC provides many resources for parents, caregivers, travelers and seniors. To learn more, visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/general_info.htm.
• The US Department of Health & Human Services also provides a website with information and updates on the H1N1 flu virus at www.flu.gov.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov/flu/swineflu. US Department of Health & Human Services: www.flu.gov.