5 Tips for Fighting Winter Colds and Flu

As winter approaches, so does the cold and flu season. Help keep yourself and your family healthy and happy with these five simple tips.

1. Get a flu shot
   A flu shot is a great way to help prevent a nasty case of the flu. While you might feel a little under the weather for a day or two after getting the vaccine, the flu shot won’t give you the flu. It actually can’t since it doesn’t contain live flu virus.
   
2. Flu shots are the same wherever you get them
   It can be hard to find the time to make a special trip to the doctor to get your flu shot. Luckily, the flu shot that your workplace or pharmacy offers is the very same one you’ll get at your doctor’s office. Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan members can receive a flu shot with no out-of-pocket cost when receiving a flu shot at a Preferred retail pharmacy in our vaccine network. Check with your pharmacy or call our Retail Pharmacy Program at 1-800-624-5060 to see which vaccines your local pharmacy can provide.
   
3. Don’t forget a flu shot for your dog
   It may sound silly, but if your pets regularly board at kennels or day care, you may want to consider getting them vaccinated against canine flu. It’s considered to be 65%-75% effective and usually costs around $40. Oh, and if you do catch the flu, don’t worry about spreading it to your pets. Canine flu is communicable between animals, not between animals and humans.
   
4. Be prepared but don’t sweat the flu
   In the fall and winter, the news is flooded with information about flu season. The average adult over 30 only gets the flu twice every decade. According to research, when we get the flu, our system develops antibodies against that specific strain, which helps us avoid it in the following years.
   
5. A little TLC can help you fight a cold naturally
   Rhinovirus, the virus responsible for the common cold, thrives in colder conditions. When temperatures dip, taking extra good care of yourself can help boost your immune system and fend off colds. Be sure to get lots of sleep, exercise regularly and eat plenty of fresh fruits and veggies.