Myth: You Cant Spread The Flu If You Dont Feel Sick
It is entirely possible to pass the flu to other people before you show symptoms or if you dont have symptoms and appear to be feeling well. According to the CDC, most healthy adults can infect others with the flu beginning one day before symptoms begin, and they continue to be contagious up to a full week later, even if they no longer have symptoms.
Researchers know that asymptomatic flu cases can still be contagious, but they are not entirely sure why, an article published in Public Health Reports explained. According to the report, its thought that asymptomatic individuals can shed viral particles when breathing, thus spreading influenza.
The flu is highly contagious and can spread from person to person through the air. It can also live on surfaces for hours, according to the National Institute on Aging. So if you catch the flu and feel even mildly sick, keep your distance from friends and family. Let them know you are sick and that you dont want them to catch the flu from you. You shouldnt go to work, and sick children should stay home from school.
How Do I Obtain The Vaccine Do I Need To Pay For The Vaccine
The provision of free medications, vaccines and health services is a decision that is made within each province and territory. Please check with your provincial/territorial public health department. If you or your child is not eligible for HPV vaccination under an immunization program, you can speak with your healthcare provider if you wish to purchase the vaccine.
Seasonal Flu And Covid
COVID-19 and the flu will likely both be spreading this season, according to the CDC. Protecting yourself from the flu with a flu shot helps reduce your risk of serious illness and hospitalization.3 Thats important this year because there continue to be concerns about hospital capacity with the ongoing spread of COVID-19. It may be hard to know if you have COVID-19 or if it may be the flu or a cold, since symptoms are similar. Getting the COVID-19 vaccine and the flu vaccine will give you the best protection. You can even get them at the same time.3 Ask your doctor if you have more questions about how these vaccines can help protect you.
- Those with specific health conditions
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More Ways You Can Help Protect Yourself Against The Flu
After you get your flu shot, continue to take steps to protect yourself and others from the flu and from COVID-19. That means frequent hand-washing, wearing a cloth mask and keeping a safe distance when youre in public spaces. Here are more ways you can help protect yourself and your community:
If youre feeling sick, stay home
Wash your hands throughout the day, especially after youve been in a public place or if you sneeze or cough
Avoid close contact with others and maintain a physical distance from others when youre in public spaces
Wear a cloth mask to cover your mouth and nose when youre around others. This helps protect others in case you may be infected
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily, like doorknobs, tables, countertops, phones and more
Who Shouldnt Get Vaccinated
If youre currently feeling sick, its best to wait until youre better.
Avoid the flu shot if you have a severe allergy to any of the ingredients that may be used in the vaccine, such as:
- egg protein
- monosodium glutamate , a stabilizer that keeps vaccines from losing their potency
- antibiotics, such as neomycin and gentamicin
- polysorbate 80, an emulsifier which keeps the ingredients from separating
- formaldehyde, which inactivates the flu virus
Babies under 6 months old shouldnt be vaccinated.
If youve had Guillain-Barré syndrome, talk to your doctor before getting the flu vaccine.
The nasal spray contains a weakened live virus. It shouldnt be taken by people who:
- are younger than 2 or older than 50 years
- are 2 to 4 years old and have asthma
- are 2 to 17 years old and take medications containing aspirin or salicylate
- are pregnant
- have life threatening allergies to the flu vaccine
- have a suppressed immune system
- are in close contact with someone with a suppressed immune system
- have taken antiviral drugs for the flu within the previous 48 hours
Talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of the nasal spray vaccine if you have:
- asthma or chronic lung disease
- a blood disorder
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Q Are Internationally Adopted Children Exempt From The 3
Effective April 1, 2009, changes were made to Regulation 552 of the Health Insurance Act which provides an exemption from the three-month waiting period for Ontario health insurance coverage for children adopted internationally by Ontario residents.
Exemption from the Waiting Period for OHIP
- The child has an OHIP-eligible citizenship/immigration status. OHIP-eligible citizenship/immigration statuses are listed in Regulation 552 of the Health Insurance Act more information can be found on this topic under the fact sheet OHIP Eligibility.
- The adoptive parents can provide confirmation that they have received director approval, provided by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services, of their international adoption under Ontarios Intercountry Adoption Act.
What Do I Need To Know About Flu Shots
Who is this for?
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network members under age 65. If you’re a Medicare member, please visit our Medicare flu and pneumonia shots page to learn more.
There’s never been a more important time to get your flu shot. You can learn about it here. You might also want to know the symptoms of the flu versus COVID-19.
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How Much Do Vaccines Cost
The cost for vaccines depends on which portion of Medicare is paying and what the vaccine is.
You wont pay anything for vaccines that Medicare Part B covers. But if you have Medicare Part C , you should check with your insurance plan.
You may need to get your vaccine from a plan-approved provider or pharmacy. If youre following the rules of your Medicare Advantage plan, you shouldnt have to pay anything for your vaccine.
If you get a vaccine that Part D covers, your Part D insurance company will negotiate a price that includes the vaccine costs and its administration. The costs include:
- dispensing fee
- vaccine administration fee
- vaccine ingredient costs
Your doctor will bill your Part D plan directly. You may be responsible for costs that include a copayment or coinsurance.
Sometimes, your plan may require you to pay your provider up front for the Medicare Part D vaccine, then submit a claim to your Part D plan for reimbursement. When this is the case, you may want to contact your plan before getting the vaccine just to confirm your coverage.
What To Do If You Are Billed
If you receive a balance-due bill for your vaccination after a portion of the bill has been paid by the Provider Relief Fund, the first thing you need to do is contact the provider. Unless you received additional services unrelated to COVID-19, there should be no charges of any sort.
On the other hand, if the provider doesn’t obtain reimbursement from the Provider Relief Fund, the patient may be responsible for the entire bill. So again, it’s important to ask up front whether there are any changes related to the vaccination and if the provider does in fact access the Provider Relief Fund.
If you believe you are being inappropriately billed, call your state Department of Health to issue a consumer complaint.
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Where Can I Go To Get Vaccinations
Vaccines are offered at drugstore chains, including CVS, Rite Aid, and Walgreens warehouse clubs like Costco and Sams Club and many independent pharmacies.
The Federal Retail Pharmacy Program for COVID-19 Vaccination has 21 national pharmacy partners and independent pharmacy networks to help increase access to the vaccine. A list of the partners can be found on the CDC website.
Should You Get The Flu Shot
A yearly flu shot can be the most effective way to protect yourself from the virus. We answer some of the most commonly asked questions about it.
Stephanie OsfieldJune 2019
When winter hits, you probably pull out your warm clothes and do your best to stay flu-free. This might include avoiding people who cough, sniffle and sneeze, and other sound prevention strategies like washing your hands regularly. But do you need the flu shot too?
Influenza is a very contagious infection that affects the airways and can cause serious health complications, such as bronchitis, pneumonia and heart problems, says Dr Brian Morton, spokesperson for the Australian Medical Association.
A yearly flu vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself.
How do you catch the flu?
When you cough or sneeze, the droplets that carry the flu virus can travel up to a metre, says Professor Dominic Dwyer, director of Public Health Pathology, NSW.
The airborne flu virus can be breathed in or spread by germ-covered hands or droplets landing on surfaces like door knobs and computer keyboards.
But I had the flu shot last year, do I really need it again?
There are 3 main strains of flu and some sub-strains as well.
Every year, the strains change, which is why you need the latest seasonal vaccine, says Prof Dwyer.
Peak flu season is between June to September. Heading into the 2019 winter, reports have already shown signs of both a new A and B flu strain in Australia.
Who should get the flu shot?
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Q Doesn’t The Government Already Know About This Death A Death Certificate Has Been Issued
It is important to notify the ministry as soon as possible when an insured person dies. The attending physician forwards this information to the ministry but this may take some time and the doctor is not responsible for the collection and return of the health card. The person who is looking after the affairs of the deceased must return the health card to the ministry.
Find A Flu Shot Location Near You
If you have a UnitedHealthcare health plan, you can get a flu shot at more than 50,000 locations.
Enter your ZIP code and select a pharmacy in your area, then select Find my flu shot to see results within a 20-mile radius from the center of your ZIP code.
Please note: If you’re using a screen reader, please select Participating pharmacies, then select a pharmacy to find a location near you.
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Who Should Get The Flu Shot
The CDC recommends that anyone over the age of six months should get a flu shot.
Some people have a higher risk for developing flu-related complications. If you have chronic conditions such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes or chronic kidney disease you should make getting the flu shot a high priority. The same is true for people who are 65 and older.
Myth: You Should Not Get The Flu Shot If You Have Major Health Problems
If you have major health problems like heart disease or diabetes, you may be tempted to avoid getting a flu shot, for fear that it could be difficult for your body to process. Diabetes and certain medications, for example, can make your immune system weaker, which may make you wonder if the flu vaccine is safe for you.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the immunocompromising nature of diabetes is precisely the reason why you should get a flu shot. Thats because if you have diabetes even if youre managing it well youre at much higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications like pneumonia. Getting the flu could also weaken your immune system even further, which might also make you more susceptible to severe disease if you were unlucky enough to get COVID-19 after recovering from the flu.
Likewise, the American College of Cardiology says people who have previously had a stroke or have heart disease are at greater risk of death from the flu. In this group, the flu can place added strain on an already weakened heart. It could even cause a heart attack.
The CDC recommends a flu vaccine for everyone over the age of six months, except those who have had a severe allergic reaction to the shot or a known allergy to one of its ingredients. For everyone else, the flu vaccine is still the best way to stay influenza-free.
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Debunking Flu Shot Myths
Despite the known benefits of flu shots, misconceptions about them scare some people away from getting one. Read the facts on common flu myths and feel confident getting your flu shot.
*A copay may apply if the shot is given during a doctors office visit.
**Check your plan materials for coverage details. Coverage may be subject to the plan deductible.
Quick Answers About The Flu Shot
- Why get vaccinated: The flu shot helps keep you and the people around you healthy. According to the CDC, getting the flu shot lowers the risk of flu illnesses, doctor’s visits, hospitalizations, and missed work and school.
- When to get vaccinated: Itâs best to get the shot before the flu starts spreading in your community, so try to get it by the end of October. Flu viruses are most common in the fall and winter.
- Where to go: Getting the flu shot may be more convenient than you think. Enter your ZIP code to find a clinic near you.
- How much it costs: Most health plans cover a set of preventive services â including the flu shot â at no cost to you when delivered by a doctor or provider in the planâs network.
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Do You Need The Flu Shot If You’ve Received The Covid
Video transcript
If youve already gotten the COVID-19 vaccine, it is also recommended and important that you get the flu shot this year. One covers you against the influenza virus, and the other covers you for the COVID-19 viruses. Theyre two distinct vaccines.
Every year, the flu vaccine is different.
This year, we suspect that the cases for the flu may increase.
Once you get the flu shot, it takes two weeks to become effective in your system. So the earlier you get it, the less exposure you have to others who are sick within your community.
Q What Immigration Documents Must I Present To Confirm My Immigration Status As An Applicant For Permanent Residence When Applying For Ontario Health Insurance Coverage
If you are applying for Ontario health insurance coverage as an Applicant for Permanent Residence, you are required to present written confirmation from Citizenship and Immigration Canada that you are eligible to apply for permanent residence in Canada, which may be one of the following :
- CIC Confirmation Letter letter on CIC letterhead addressed to the Applicant for Permanent Residence that confirms that the applicant is eligible to apply for permanent residency in Canada
- CIC Immigration document such as a Work Permit, Visitor Record, Temporary Resident Permit or Study Permit with note in the “Remarks Section” that indicates that you have applied for permanent residence and the CIC has confirmed that you meet the eligibility requirements to apply for permanent residence in Canada.
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Myth: You Can Avoid Getting The Flu Just By Washing Your Hands A Lot
The flu virus lives on everyday objects that are frequently touched, such as doorknobs and handrails. You can easily touch a germy surface and, without even realizing it, touch your mouth, nose, or eyes. And it wont be long before you are feeling awful.
While simple hand-washing with soap can be very helpful, the single best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated, according to the CDC. Still, you should wash your hands often and correctly to help prevent the flu. Per the CDC, washing your hands is especially important during key times when you are more likely to get sick and spread germs, including while preparing food, before and after eating, when caring for a sick person, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
Proper hand washing includes five simple steps: Wet hands with clean running water and apply soap. Lather hands by rubbing them together with soap. Lather the backs of hands, between fingers, and under nails. Scrub for at least 20 seconds. Finally, rinse hands under the running water, and dry hands with a clean towel or let air dry.
What Can I Do If My Health Insurance Wont Cover Flu Shots Or Other Vaccines
If your health insurance plan doesn’t cover certain vaccines or shots, or if you dont have health insurance, do the following:
- Contact your state health department. It may be able to help you find free or low-cost vaccines.
- Look for a federally funded health center near you. Most provide affordable vaccines.
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