Thousands of people are being hospitalized with the illness1. The flu is an infection of the nose, throat and lungs. There are several different flu viruses that always change, and it can range from mild to severe.
Senior Health
Protect Yourself from the Flu
5 min read 26 Aug 2018
The flu spreads mainly through droplets. When a person who has the flu, coughs, sneezes or talks, droplets can land on you. The flu may also spread when a person touches an object that has the flu virus on it, like a door handle, and then touch their own mouth, eyes or nose.
It is important to know the symptoms of the flu so that you can get the right care and treatment. These include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, fever, chills and fatigue.
Senior citizens are at higher risk for developing flu-related complications. You’ll want to take proper care to prevent this potentially dangerous infection.
Flu Prevention
The best way to prevent the flue is to get a flu shot. Flu can lead to other illnesses such as pneumonia. Getting the flu vaccine can prevent this from happening.
Prevent the Spread of Germs
- Stay away from people who are sick.
- If someone in your household is sick with a flu-like illness, try to keep him/her in a separate room from the rest of your family and stay home from school or work.
- Cover your mouth/nose with a tissue when you sneeze.
- Wash hands often with soap and warm water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs, including bathroom surfaces and kitchen counters.
If you start to feel sick, make sure to get plenty of rest and drink enough fluids. You should talk to your doctor as needed.
MEDICAID MEMBER CONTACT INFORMATION
Toll Free Numbers
Member and Provider Services 1-800-392-1147
Family Health Council 1-800-532-9465
Health Choices 1-800-440-3989
TDD/TTY: 711
MEDICARE ASSURED MEMBER CONTACT INFORMATION
Toll Free Numbers
Pennsylvania 1-800-685-5209
Ohio: 1-888-447-4505
North Carolina: 1-855-847-6430
TDD/TTY: 711
8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Eastern Time
7 Days a week from October 1 through March 31.
*From April 1 through September 30 our business hours are 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Monday through Friday.
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