Presbyterian | Fall 2019 | Your Story

Your story En español: Si usted desea obtener este boletín en español, llame al (505) 923-5200 o al 1-888-977-2333. Fall 2019 Presbyterian Health Plan, Inc. P.O. Box 27489 Albuquerque, NM 87125-7489 www.phs.org Important plan information CC Standard U.S. Postage PAID Presbyterian Health Plan INSIDE What are well- child visits? 3 High blood pressure? 7 Influenza, or the flu, is an illness caused by influenza A or B viruses. Flu symptoms include fever and chills, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, cough, headache, and runny or stuffy nose. Flu season usually starts in October and can last through May of each year. The flu virus infects the nose, throat, and lungs. The virus can be spread to others up to six feet away when a person with the flu coughs, sneezes, or talks. People can spread the flu virus to others before they have any of the symptoms. What is the FLU ? Some people are at risk for health complications if they get the flu: ● ● Children younger than five years old ● ● Pregnant women ● ● Adults age 65 and older ● ● People with certain chronic medical conditions Flu vaccines (the shot) Flu vaccines can help you avoid the flu. They can also make the symptoms less severe if you do get the flu. The Tips for preventing the flu Follow these simple steps to keep yourself and your family healthy during flu season: 1. Stay away from sick people and stay home if you are sick. 2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. 3. Wash your hands often with soap and water or rub your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 4. Wash eating utensils, dishes, sheets, and towels, especially if someone in the family is ill. 5. Frequently clean surfaces that are touched by hands. 6. Get a flu vaccine every year, since the flu virus changes. —Continued on page 2