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:
- Rest.
- Drink clear fluids so you don’t get dehydrated.
- 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.
- 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.