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2020 FLU CLINIC

OPTUMCARE AT THE HCC

Frequently Asked Questions

by Carson Blomquist

OptumCare

It’s that time of the year: influenza season.

This has been a tough and unpredictable year, but if there is one constant, it is flu season. And that season is just around the corner. With everything going on, getting a flu shot is particularly important this year.

There are a lot of questions about the flu shot. Here are some we hear the most:

• I’m healthy. I don’t need a flu shot, do I?

Being healthy is all the more reason to get a flu shot! If you get the virus, you may not have many symptoms. But you can still spread it to others. The flu shot doesn’t just protect you; it also protects your loved ones. • I never leave home. Why should I bother with the flu shot?

These days we’re getting everything delivered to us: groceries, takeout, medications, and more.

We wear masks in public, and we keep our distance from others. And we’re being extra cautious by spending time with loved ones through virtual calls.

Even with all these precautions, it doesn’t take much for the flu virus to spread. Consider the flu shot an extra dose of protection—and pat yourself on the back for being so cautious.

• I saw something on Facebook about vaccines being unsafe.

Facebook is a fun way to connect with other people. It can also be a spreader of incorrect information. If you’re not sure if the flu shot is right for you, ask your doctor. They know your medical history and can help you make the right choice for your needs.

• I have a lot of health conditions. Is the flu shot safe for me?

The flu can make other conditions, like diabetes and heart disease, much worse. Protecting yourself against the flu means managing your current conditions. It also means talking to your doctor. That may not be the answer you want to hear, but your doctor really does know best. They can listen to your concerns and help you come up with ways to stay safe.

• Is it safe to get the flu shot during the pandemic?

COVID-19 and influenza: What a scary time. You can do your part to be safe—and keep others safe—by getting your flu shot.

It’s especially important this year, since these are both respiratory viruses. The flu vaccine doesn’t protect against COVID-19, but it’s a way to keep yourself protected from another dangerous virus.