Be savvy about seasonal viruses

During the winter months, it can seem as if cold and flu germs are lurking everywhere. We all want to avoid catching them — or passing them onto others. Luckily, there are effective strategies that can help reduce your risk of getting sick:

• Get a flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)* recommends annual flu vaccines for everyone — with a few exceptions — ages 6 months and older.
• Take steps to stop the spread of germs. Wash hands thoroughly. Cover your coughs and sneezes. And stay home when you don’t feel well, if you can.

If you do get sick, it’s not always easy to tell if it’s a cold or the flu. Colds tend to be milder than the flu and are less likely to cause fever, chills and muscle aches. While the flu sometimes causes sneezing, stuffy nose and sore throat, these symptoms are more common with a cold.

*The CDC is an independent organization that offers health information that  health plan members may find helpful.