Family Health: Help protect against flu

The flu shot can prevent the flu (influenza).  Protect your health and the health of your loved ones -- get your flu shot early.

Aetna covers the nasal spray flu vaccine as approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). We cover the nasal spray for healthy members ages 2 to 49 who have benefits for preventive services.

In addition to getting a flu shot, take these steps to protect everyone from getting the flu. 

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, avoid close contact with others, especially high-risk individuals. Keeping your distance from others when you are sick can protect them from getting sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then throw the used tissue away and wash your hands. If you don’t have a tissue, cover your mouth with your sleeve.
• Wash your hands with soap and warm water for 15 to 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice!) or use an alcohol-based hand wipe or gel sanitizer, especially;
  • after coughing or sneezing
  • before and after preparing food
  • before and after eating
  • after using the toilet
  • after handling animals and animal waste
  • any time your hands are dirty
  • when someone at home is sick
• Teach and remind children to wash their hands.

• Bring disinfectant wipes for tray tables and seatbelt buckles.
• After you wash your hands, use a paper towel to open the door when leaving the restroom.
• Wash your hands when you get off the plane, train or bus.

Medications are available to prevent or treat the flu. If you are exposed to the flu or think you are getting the flu, check with your doctor to see if any of these medications are right for you.   

Consult the CDC Preventing the Flu, Cover Your Cough and Germ Stopper websites for more information and materials on prevention.

You can find more information about the flu and flu vaccine recommendations on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

For information about your benefits for preventive services, such as the flu vaccine, Log In to Aetna Navigator™, your secure self-service member website.

* Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Preventing the Flu, viewed online 8/28/09 at www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/preventing.htm.