(Photo by James Gathany, courtesy of CDC)

Flu, or influenza, is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalizations, severe health complications and even death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu-related deaths during a given season can number as high as 49,000.

So what can you do? Make your and your family’s health a priority and get a flu shot.

According to the CDC, everyone who is at least 6 months old should get a flu vaccine. Getting vaccinated is especially important for people who have certain medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes or chronic lung disease; and for pregnant women, young children and people 65 and older.

Influenza does not discriminate based on age or health habits. Just because you’re young or don’t typically get sick doesn’t mean you can’t catch the flu. Since a person can be contagious before symptoms develop, you can catch the flu from someone who has yet to show any signs of being sick.

Symptoms of the Flu

The flu usually comes on suddenly. Common symptoms include constant cough, sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches and fatigue.

Flu Prevention Tips

To help protect yourself and others from the flu, consider these five tips:

• Get a flu shot (most important)
• Wash your hands to reduce the spread of germs
• Stay away from people who are sick
• If you’re sick, stay home to prevent spreading flu to others
• Cover coughs and sneezes

The flu shot is not expensive. In most cases, the cost of a flu shot is covered by your health plan, whether you buy health insurance on your own or are covered through your employer, Medicare or Medicaid.

Know Where to Get a Flu Shot

Visit your primary care doctor or nearby wellness clinic, convenience clinic, most retail pharmacies or contracted flu shot providers. Please do not go to an emergency room for a flu shot. Receiving a flu shot in the ER will come with longer wait times and higher out-of-pocket costs.

To find a list of flu shot providers near you, visit the CDC website (www.cdc.gov/flu) and enter your ZIP code. People enrolled in UnitedHealthcare plans can check with their health care provider or visit myuhc.com to search for a network pharmacy or convenience care clinic.