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.

• Get a flu shot
  A flu shot is a great way to help prevent a serious 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.

 

• 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 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.

 

• Understand the difference between the flu and COVID-19
  Knowing the difference between these respiratory viruses can help you better recognize and treat your illness if you are feeling sick. While the flu and COVID-19 may seem similar in many ways, they are not the same virus. For instance, flu symptoms generally show up quicker than those of COVID-19, appearing about one to four days after exposure. In addition, COVID-19 tends to spread more quickly and be contagious longer than the flu. It’s also important to note that your flu vaccine does not reduce your risk of COVID-19, so getting both the COVID-19 and flu vaccines are the best way to prevent both viruses.

 

• 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.

 

• 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.

 

If you feel under the weather this winter, we can help you get the care you need. With everything from telehealth services to preventive care benefits and resources, your BCBS FEP coverage is here to support your health so you can feel your best all winter long.

 

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/coronavirus-vs-flu/art-20490339