It’s prime time for a $0 flu shot
The flu is sneaky. It can invade your body undetected, mask itself from the immune system, and keep up its charade until you feel that tickle in the back of your throat and body aches. Fast forward a few hours and you also may develop fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, fatigue, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Protect yourself from the flu for $0
When it comes to the flu, don’t risk it – get vaccinated! The vaccine benefits you in two ways – It helps prevent flu and reduces the risk of serious illness if you do get sick.
September and October are the prime time to get your $0 flu vaccine. As a Blue KC member you have several options for where to go:
- Blue KC in-network provider1, such as your primary care provider
- Spira Care Centers2 – Walk-in with no appointment if you’re enrolled in a plan with exclusive access to Spira Care Centers
- In-network retail health clinics1
Flu treatment with antiviral drugs
Want another way to lessen flu symptoms?
Flu antiviral drugs can shorten the time you are sick by about a day. Antiviral medication is not a substitute for getting a flu vaccine, but they are a second line of defense that can be used to treat flu. These drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid, an inhaled powder, or an intravenous solution) that fight against flu viruses in your body.
Starting antiviral treatment within two days of getting sick can help reduce some flu complications. Here is who should take flu antiviral drugs.
- People who develop flu symptoms and are at increased risk of serious flu complications based on their age or underlying health conditions.
- People who are very sick with the flu but do not need to be hospitalized. This includes children, but they should take antiviral drugs according to their doctor’s instructions (usually for five days).
- Adults hospitalized with flu. Some studies have reported that early antiviral treatment can reduce the duration of hospitalization and the risk of death.
You can only get antiviral drugs if you have a prescription from a healthcare provider, who can help determine which antiviral option is best for you. If you can’t see a doctor in person, a Blue KC virtual care visit may help you get a prescription for antiviral medication after a positive at-home flu test. Members can visit with a virtual care doctor through the MyBlueKC mobile app or at BlueKCVirtualCare.com.
1Visit Find Care on your Blue KC member portal at MyBlueKC.com to locate a PCP or in-network retail clinic near you.
2Available to Blue KC members in plans with exclusive access to Spira Care Centers. For costs and further details of the coverage, including exclusions, any reductions or limitations and the terms under which the policy may be continued in force, contact your Blue KC representative.
