Cold & Flu

Flu

Flu season can be unsettling. The flu can be a deadly disease for older people and those with chronic diseases. That's why it's important to take precautions to stay as healthy as you can. This includes getting your flu shot. Flu season typically starts around October and can run as late as May.

Symptoms

Fever

Headache

General aches and pains

Fatigue, weakness

Extreme exhaustion

Stuffy nose

Sneezing

Sore throat

Chest discomfort

Cough

Vomiting or Diarrhea

Complications

Treatment

Prevention

Common Cold

Rare

Rare

Slight

Quite mild

Never

Common

Usual

Common

Mild

Moderate hacking cough

Never

Sinus and ear pressure

Fluids, fever reduction, rest

None

Seasonal and Novel H1N1 Influenza

High (102-104°F) lasts for 3-4 days

Prominent

Usual; often severe

Can last up to 2-3 weeks

Early and prominent

Sometimes

Sometimes

Usual

Common, can be severe

Can be severe dry cough

More common with H1N1 flu; less so with seasonal flu

Pneumonia; can be life-threatening

Anti-viral medication (in some situations)

Vaccine for seasonal and H1N1 flu

How to care for the flu at home

Most people with influenza (flu) recover without medication. If you are sick, be sure to:

  1. Rest.
  2. Drink clear fluids so you don’t get dehydrated.
  3. Talk to your doctor about any special care that you might need if you have a health condition such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma or emphysema. Your doctor may want to prescribe antiviral medications for you.
  4. Watch out for warning signs that you may need to seek medical attention.

Warning Signs in adults include:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
  • Sudden dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Severe or persistent vomiting
  • Flu‐like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Flu Shots

Aetna Better Health is committed to ensuring our members receive the best possible care. This includes providing important vaccinations for the flu and pneumonia.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu shots are 80 percent effective in preventing death from the flu. And because those who get the flu are at higher risk of getting pneumonia, it’s especially important to get your flu shot.

We suggest you get your flu shot in October or November. Your doctor and local pharmacies offer these shots each year.