Get Your Flu Shots at CVS MinuteClinic + Twitter Chat #NoTimeforFlu #ad

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It’s flu season again and my sixteen-month-old as already had Hand, Foot, & Mouth Disease this year. He doesn’t even go to a daycare, however, his sibling and both parents are in schools every day.  He is scheduled for his flu shot in a few weeks, and CVS MinuteClinic is offering flu shots this year.  Since hubby, my mom, and my mother-in-law are all nurses, our entire family chooses to get a flu shot each year.

We will be updating this post with the Twitter chat RSVP link in the next week, so be sure to check back! Customers will receive a 20% off CVS/pharmacy Shopping pass when they get a flu shot at CVS/pharmacy or MinuteClinic. *Disclaimer: Not available in MA, RI, PA and NY. #NoTimeforFlu

You might be wondering what IS the flu? CVS has provided some great information about the flu and how to prevent it.  The flu is a respiratory infection caused by a virus. It can develop very quickly and with the flu, you almost always have a fever. Other common symptoms include headache, sore throat, dry cough, stuffy or runny nose and muscle aches. No fun!

How serious is it? Certain people are at a greater risk for complications with the flu, such as seniors, pregnant women, young children and those with certain health complications like asthma or diabetes. If you are unsure if it’s the flu or just a cold, see your doctor or a MinuteClinic practitioner. Better to be safe than sorry!

When is “flu season?” Flu season does not necessarily have a specific start and end date. The timing, severity and length of the annual flu season vary, but outbreaks can begin as early as October, and has a tendency of peaking around January.

How long is the flu contagious? The flu can spread before someone even realizes they’re sick, since most healthy adults can infect others 1 day before and up to 5-7 days after becoming sick. For children and those with weakened immune systems, that period can be even longer.

You might be asking how you can prevent the flu from hitting you and your family. Vaccination is the first line of defense against the flu. Eating right, exercising regularly, washing your hands and getting enough sleep (7-8 hours a night!) can also help, but the single most effective way to avoid getting the flu, is to get a seasonal flu shot!

Who should get the shot? Since getting a seasonal flu vaccine is the single most effective way to prevent getting the flu, the CDC recommends that anyone ages six months and older be vaccinated, including those who were vaccinated last season.

Try some of these daily tips to keep healthy and help to prevent cold and flu:

• Wash your hands with soap and water often, especially after you cough or sneeze. When you wash, wet hands thoroughly, work up a lather and scrub for at least 20 seconds. Alcohol-based sanitizer is not as effective as hand-washing but it’s a great alternative.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough and sneeze, and discard of the tissue in the trash. Sneeze into your sleeve if a tissue is not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, as germs can spread easily that way.
• Avoid contact with those who are sick. Flu is believed to be mainly spread from person-to-person contact (coughing and sneezing doesn’t help!)
• If you are sick, stay home from school or work to keep others from getting infected.
• Disinfect surfaces. Use a product that kills household germs and be sure to thoroughly wipe down handles, faucets and all surfaces that you touch often – don’t forget your workspace and car! If you use public transportation, be sure to wash your hands as soon as you get to your destination.
• Think you might be sick? Don’t wait and see – get help right away! Early flu treatment (within 72 hours of exposure to the virus) has been proven to reduce the length and severity of illness. If you think you might have the flu or have been exposed to someone with the flu, see a health care professional right away.

Did you know there are several options available for flu shots?

• Regular seasonal flu shot.  (MinuteClinic is offering Trivalent and Quadrivalent shot this year).o Trivalent Vaccine (TIV) contains 2 A strains and 1 B strain of the influenza virus. This has been the standard flu vaccine since the late 1970s. o Quadrivalent Vaccine (QIV) protects against an additional B strain. This vaccine was created based on research from the past 12 influenza seasons. This vaccine offers an additional layer of protection against the flu.
• Intradermal shot for those who might be squeamish about needles (approved for adults 18-64; may not be covered by all insurance providers) MinuteClinic is not offering the intradermal shot this year.
• High dose vaccination for customers 65 years and up (provides an elevated level of antigens, which create a stronger immune response in seniors).
• MinuteClinic vaccinates patients 18 months and older. If you have a child between 6-18 months, they should receive their vaccination from a pediatrician. *Disclaimer: 18 months and older; 24 months in KY; 5 years and older in CT.You might also be wondering if your flu shot be covered by insurance at MinuteClinic? Health insurance plans, including Medicare Part B, typically cover the full cost of a flu shot, and MinuteClinic accepts most insurance! We also accept cash payment.

There are some common flu vaccine myths. Check them out below!