Flu season is upon us, with all its coughing, fevers, sore throats and runny noses. The typical flu season lasts from fall to early spring, but the length and severity of an epidemic may vary, as the dominant strains of flu change from year to year. Some lucky individuals can get through the season flu-free, but be prepared to be surrounded by sneezing and coughing for a few months out of every year.

According to the National institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), the flu affects between 5 and 20 percent of the U.S. population each year.

A seasonal flu shot is the single best way to protect against the flu. You can schedule an appointment to receive a flu shot at your doctor’s office or at a local clinic. Flu shots are now widely available at pharmacies and grocery stores, with no appointment necessary.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Trusted Source recommends that everyone 6 months of age or older be vaccinated against the flu.

High-Risk Individuals
Certain groups are at an increased risk for getting the flu and developing potentially dangerous flu-related complications. It’s important that people in these high-risk groups be vaccinated. According to the CDC, these individuals include:

• Pregnant women
• Children between 6 months and 5 years of age
• People 18 and under who receive aspirin therapy
• People over 50
• Anyone with chronic medical conditions
• People whose body mass index is 40 or higher
• American Indians or Alaska Natives
• Anyone living or working in a nursing home or chronic care facility
• Caregivers of any of the above individuals

Chronic medical conditions that could increase your risk of complications include:

• Asthma
• Heart or lung problems
• HIV/AIDS
• Cancer
• Metabolic diseases
• Neurologic conditions
• Blood conditions
• Obesity
• Kidney or liver disease

Who should not get a flu shot?
Do not get a flu shot if you have any of the following conditions:

• Previous bad reaction
• Egg allergy
• Mercury allergy
• Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS)
• Fever the day of the vaccination

For employees covered under URAC’s insurance, the flu vaccine is covered without a copay. Just choose an in-network provider or a retail clinic that participates in the plan. You can find more information about these services on the CareFirst Member website.