I Want YOU to Stop the Flu!

The flu isn’t just inconvenient.  It can kill!  This year you may be exposed to the seasonal flu virus and to the H1N1 influenza (swine flu) virus. When you get the flu, you expose your friends, family and co-workers to infection. You can spread the flu virus before you feel sick, and for days afterwards. Infected material from a cough or sneeze can travel up to 3 feet! Together we can stop the flu virus from spreading. What can you do? Get a flu shot!

Here’s how to get vaccinated for the seasonal flu:

•  At your doctor’s office – covered at 100% for benefits-covered employees and family members
•  Onsite county worksite clinics – provided at no cost to benefits-covered employees
• Community clinics - due to a high demand for seasonal flu vaccinations, many community clinics have been closed or only have a limited supply:
• KingCare/Aetna covered employees – Maxim community clinics have been cancelled in order to meet demand at scheduled sites, including King County worksites.
• Group Health covered employees – Group Health walk up clinics are still being held, although they note that due to high demand, availability of seasonal vaccine at the clinics may vary from day to day.

Here’s how to get vaccinated for the H1N1 flu:

• H1N1 influenza vaccines will be available in the coming weeks through health care providers, community clinics and pharmacies. Check the Flu Hotline at 877-903-KING (5464) or Public Health's Website to find the latest information about H1N1 influenza (swine flu) vaccines. The vaccine will first be available to priority groups (the Centers for Disease Control has prioritized groups including pregnant women, children, and young adults); and then later in the season to everyone through community clinics. 
• H1N1 influenza vaccines are provided free of cost through the federal government.  You may be charged an administrative fee of up to $15.  If you ar covered by King County's benefits and you receive an H1N1 influenza vaccine from your health care provider, the administrative fee will be covered at 100%.

Regardless of where you get a flu shot, it’s important that you think about getting one.

Think you may have the flu?

• Emory University and Microsoft have developed a tool to help you identify if you have the flu.
• Public Health - Seattle & King County have provided information about when you might seek medical attention

If you get sick, stay home until you feel better. 

You should stay home for 24 hours after your fever breaks naturally (without medication).  If you or a loved one is sick and you'd like advice about appropriate care, call the 24 hour nurse line.  Nurses are just a phone call away.

    KingCare/Aetna:      1-800-270-2386
    Group Health:           1-800-297-6877

Protect yourself from colds and the flu - follow these tips for a healthy fall and winter season.