Flu season has arrived, with peak activity occurring between December and February. Getting your annual flu shot now, before the flu spreads in your community, is one of the best ways to prevent the flu.
How the Flu Shot Protects You
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 20 million people caught the flu in 2023 with 250,000 flu-related hospitalizations and 14,000 deaths. The flu shot can minimize your risk of severely getting sick.
While the flu shot may not be 100% effective at preventing infection, it has been shown to lessen the severity of your symptoms if you are infected. It also reduces the severity of other non-flu respiratory infections and the risk of serious complications that can result in hospitalization and death.1
Know Your Risk for Complications
Certain groups of people are at a higher risk for complications from the flu.2 Could you be one of them?
The flu shot is especially important for the following groups of people who are at a higher risk of developing serious complications:
- Adults age 65 and older.
- Children younger than age 5.
- Pregnant women.
- People with certain chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and asthma.
- Elderly people living in nursing homes.
Since the flu spreads person to person, with people becoming most contagious in the first three to four days after they become sick (even if they don’t have flu-like symptoms yet), it’s even more important to protect yourself and your loved ones as events and daily life move from being remote to in-person.3
Your Flu Shot Is Free!
The flu shot is 100% covered if you are enrolled in a Hitachi medical plan. There are many ways to safely get the flu shot. You can visit a pharmacy, go to your local urgent care, find a mobile flu shot clinic or make an appointment with your primary care physician. Wherever you decide to get your flu shot, the important thing is to get it now to protect yourself – and those around you.
More Ways to Stay Healthy This Season
In addition to getting the flu shot, follow these tips to stay healthy during flu season:
- Avoid close contact with others, especially those who are sick.
- Stay home if you are sick to prevent spreading the flu to others.
- Cover your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze.
- Wash your hands to protect yourself from germs.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces at home, school and work.
Questions?
Anthem HSA Plus or HSA Core members: Call 1-877-411-1637 or visit anthem.com.
Kaiser Permanente CDHP members: Call 1-800-464-4000 or visit kp.org.
Learn more at benefits.hitachivantara.com.
1 “2021-2022 Flu Season Summary,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), January 12, 2023.
2 “People at Higher Risk of Flu Complications,” CDC, August 25, 2023.
3 “How Flu Spreads,” CDC, March 22, 2024.