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Frequently Asked Questions

• What is flu? 
• What is H1N1 flu? 
• How do flu viruses spread? 
• What are symptoms of the flu? 
• What can I do to protect myself from getting sick? 
• Does Wellmark cover flu vaccines? 
• Who should get an H1N1 vaccination? 
• Who should get a seasonal flu vaccination? 

• Who should NOT get a flu shot? 

• Can the flu shot give you the flu?
• Where can I get a flu shot?
• Where can I get an H1N1 flu vaccine?
• Can I receive vaccines from my local pharmacy?
• I had a flu shot last year, do I need one again? 
• How long can someone spread the flu virus to others?
• If I have a family member who's sick with the flu, should I stay home too? 

What is flu?

Influenza, commonly shortened to “flu,” is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Flu appears most frequently in winter and early spring. The flu virus attacks the body by spreading through the upper and/or lower respiratory tract.

What is H1N1 flu?

H1N1 is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. The H1N1 virus is spreading from person to person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular-season influenza viruses spread.

How do flu viruses spread?

H1N1 and seasonal flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may be infected by touching a surface or object with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

What are symptoms of the flu?

Seasonal and H1N1 flu symptoms can be mild or severe. The common symptoms of both types of flu include:

• Fever (usually high)
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Chills
• Extreme tiredness
• Dry cough
• Runny nose may also occur but is more common in children than adults

People who have been infected with the H1N1 virus also have reported stomach-related symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting.

How to tell the difference between colds and the flu 

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

The best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year. Yearly flu vaccination begins in September or as soon as vaccine is available and continues throughout the flu season.

This year there is also a 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine, which is currently in production and expected to be ready for the public this fall.

There are also everyday actions you can take to help prevent the spread of germs that cause illnesses like cold and flu.

Does Wellmark cover flu vaccines?

The cost of the vaccine, needles, syringes, alcohol swabs, and sharps containers will be fully paid for by the U.S. government.  Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield will cover administration cost of the H1N1 vaccine, according to member’s normal cost share. (In some cases, employer-sponsored group health plans administered by Wellmark may not cover immunizations.)
   

Most Wellmark health plans also provide benefits for seasonal flu and pneumococcal vaccines. Log in to check your benefits  or call Customer Service using the number on your Wellmark ID card.

Who should get an H1N1 vaccination?

The H1N1 vaccine is expected to be available this fall and the CDC has recommended that certain groups of the population receive the 2009 H1N1 vaccine first. Vaccination efforts will initially focus on five target groups including:

• Pregnant women
• People who live or care for children younger than 6 months of age
• Health care and emergency medical services personnel
• Children and young adults from 6 months old through 24 years
• People ages 25 through 64 years who have chronic medical conditions that increase their risk of complications from influenza

Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2009

Who should get a seasonal flu vaccination?

Anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the seasonal flu can get vaccinated. Certain people should get vaccinated every year:

• Children ages 6 months to five years
• Pregnant women
• People 50 years of age and older
• People with chronic medical conditions
• People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu
• People who live in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities

Keep in mind that it takes up to two weeks to build immunity following a flu shot.

Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2009

Who should NOT get a flu shot?

Anyone with:

• An allergy to eggs
• Fever
• History of Guillain-Barre syndrome 
• Previous adverse reaction to a flu shot
• Infants under 6 months old

Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2009

Can the flu shot give you the flu?

While the flu shot is made up of flu virus particles, they are all inactive, so they can’t make you sick.

Where can I get a flu shot?

There are many places where you can get a flu shot. 

• Your doctor’s office
• Pharmacies
• Walk-in clinics
• Employer clinics
• Hospitals
• Local health department

Check the Wellness Calendar  for flu shot clinics around your community.

Where can I get an H1N1 flu vaccine?

The H1N1 flu vaccine is being distributed to each state by the federal government. Every state is developing a vaccine delivery plan, which will likely include a combination of physician offices and non-traditional settings. Wellmark members have several options to get the H1N1 flu vaccine: 

• Public Health Clinics: Members may be able to receive their H1N1 vaccine at most local public health clinics at no cost or at a federally subsided rate.
• Doctor's Office: The cost of the vaccine, needles, syringes, alcohol swabs, and sharps containers will be fully paid for by the U.S. government. Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield will cover administration cost of the H1N1 vaccine, according to member’s normal cost share. (In some cases, employer-sponsored group health plans administered by Wellmark may not cover immunizations.)
• Pharmacies: Members will be able to have the H1N1 vaccine administered at pharmacies that offer the service. Cost share is based on your pharmacy benefits; the 2009 seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccines are considered Tier 1. Learn more about how prescription benefits work.  

Can I receive vaccines from my local pharmacy?

If your health benefits provide coverage for vaccines, you may be able to receive the vaccine at a pharmacy and have it covered under your pharmacy benefits. Keep in mind:

• Your cost share is based on your pharmacy benefits. Most vaccines are covered at the Tier 2 drug level. However, for the 2009 seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccines, a Tier 1 copay will apply.
• Not all pharmacies offer flu shots; only pharmacies that employ a pharmacist who is certified to administer vaccines can offer this service.
• Use a network or contracting pharmacy; otherwise you will have to pay for the flu shot, submit a paper claim, and wait for reimbursement.
• You may need a prescription from a medical provider; check with the pharmacy.

Log in to check your benefits  or call Customer Service using the number on your Wellmark ID card to see if this option is available to you.

I had a flu shot last year, do I need one again?

The flu vaccine you got last year wasn’t designed to fight the virus strains in circulation this flu season. Because different strains of influenza circulate every winter, annual flu shots are necessary.

How long can someone spread the flu virus to others?

According to the CDC, most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5-7 days after becoming sick. That means you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. 

Use these prevention strategies to help keep germs in check.

If I have a family member who's sick with the flu, should I stay home too?

People who are well but who have an ill family member at home can go to work and school as usual. Monitor your health and take everyday precautions, including washing your hands often with soap or water. If you become sick, stay home.