Seasonal Flu and H1N1 Flu Update

What is seasonal influenza (flu)?

Influenza – also known as the flu – is a highly contagious respiratory virus. The effects of the seasonal flu vary from person to person and could be mild or as severe as causing death.

What causes the seasonal flu?

Influenza viruses A and B cause the seasonal flu. Each year, there are different types of strains.

What are seasonal flu symptoms?

Symptoms may vary from person to person but can include:

• Body aches.
• Fever.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Fatigue.
• Loss of appetite.

Symptoms usually start three to four days after being exposed to the virus and may last for as long as two weeks.

How is the seasonal flu diagnosed?

A visit to your doctor will help determine if you have the seasonal flu.

How is the seasonal flu treated?

Most of the time, rest and fluids are used to treat the seasonal flu. Your doctor may decide to prescribe medication.

How can I protect myself from the seasonal flu?

You should get your seasonal flu shot each year. Providence Health Plan recommends the seasonal flu shot for everyone especially:

• People ages 50 and older.
• Women who are pregnant.
• Children 6 months to 18 years.
• Those with a chronic illness.

It is also important to wash your hands regularly and use antibacterial sprays or gels. Find out when and how you should wash your hands (PDF).

Where can I get the seasonal flu shot?

You can get the seasonal flu shot at your doctor’s office or at a participating pharmacy that is administering the seasonal flu shot. These pharmacies include:

• Albertsons-Savon
• Banks Pharmacy
• Bi-Mart
• Dallas Pillbox Pharmacy
• Fred Meyer
• Haggen Lambs Garden Home Pharmacy
• Malheur Drug
• Providence Plaza Pharmacy
• Safeway
• Vernonia Pharmacy
• Walgreens
• Yoke's Food, Inc.

Present your Providence Health Plan identification card when receiving the seasonal flu shot.

How is the seasonal flu shot covered?

Your seasonal flu shot and Flu Mist (the nasal spray) is covered with a $0 to $10 copay based on your benefit plan.

What is H1N1?

H1N1 – also known as H1N1 flu – is a new flu virus first detected in the United States in April 2009.

What are the symptoms of H1N1?

The symptoms are similar to those of the seasonal flu and include:

• Body aches.
• Fever.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Fatigue.
• Loss of appetite.

How is H1N1 flu diagnosed?

Your doctor will be able to determine if you have H1N1 flu based on your symptoms. He/she may decide to take a swab of your throat or nasal cavity to be tested to confirm.

How is H1N1 flu treated?

Just like the seasonal flu, rest and fluids are used to treat the H1N1 flu. Your doctor may decide to prescribe medication.

What about the use of antiviral drugs to treat pandemic H1N1?

Antiviral drugs, such as Tamiflu® and Relenza®, are prescription medicines that fight against the flu by stopping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, taking antiviral drugs within 48 hours of first developing symptoms can lessen the severity of the illness. These medicines are not recommended for prevention of H1N1.

How much will Tamiflu® or Relenza® cost?

These are brand-name drugs and available at a brand-name copay. Members with group medical coverage but without pharmacy benefits can use their Providence Health Plan member ID cards to obtain prescriptions for cash at Providence-contracted rates. The average cost for a five-day course of Tamiflu® is $84 and for Relenza® is $55. When the State of Oregon releases the government stockpile Tamiflu and Relenza will be available at designated locations for free but will have a $4 distribution fee.

How can I protect myself from the H1N1 flu?

You should wash your hands regularly and use antibacterial sprays or gels. Find out when and how you should wash your hands (PDF).

You should also stay away from those who are infected with the virus.

Is an H1N1 vaccine available?

The H1N1 nasal spray vaccine is now available but pregnant women and people with medical conditions, including asthma, should not use the nasal spray.

The H1N1 shot is becoming available in larger quantities and is being administered first to those who are most at risk. State governments in Oregon and Washington are working with the federal government to distribute the vaccine to each county. Contact your local health department or check the www.flu.oregon.gov or www.doh.wa.gov/H1N1 Web sites where information about the distribution sites is now posted.

The CDC has made the following recommendations as to who should receive the vaccine when it becomes available:

• Pregnant women.
• Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age.
• Health care and emergency medical personnel.
• All people age 6 months through 24 years of age.
• People ages 24 to 64 years who have a chronic medical condition.

People ages 10 and older will only require one shot. Children ages 6 months to 9 years will be required to receive two shots. The second shot should follow at least 21 days after the first one.

Where can I get the H1N1 vaccine?

Will vary depending on the county you live in and are designated by your local county health department. Possibilities include:

• Doctor’s office
• Local participating pharmacy administering the shot
• Special vaccination sites
• Public health office

Is the H1N1 vaccine covered by Providence Health Plan?

Yes, this is a covered benefit.

How much do I pay?

The most you will pay is a copay. Some providers, such as a county health department, may not require a copay for this immunization, but you need to call ahead to make sure. Your copay is listed on your benefit summary under "immunizations." Separate copays may be required for each shot and for your office visit.

This page will be updated based on latest news, developments and recommendations from the CDC.